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Middle Eastern Writers, 2008.
An examination of the social and political themes in the writings of Palestinian poet Taha Muhammad Ali, Israeli poet Aharon Shabtai and Turkish poet Ozkan Mert.
1,821 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses contemporary Middle Eastern writers and the way that they typically approach social and political themes in their writings. The paper specifically focuses on Palestinian poet Taha Muhammad Ali, the Israeli poet Aharon Shabtai, and the Turkish poet Ozkan Mert, and how they each give voice to the suffering and protests they feel in their poetry, attempting to redeem their negative sentiments and experiences through language and art.
From the Paper
"As I see it, the relationship art and the world's social and political scenes has always been a difficult one. The language of poetry may seem to many a force that, in a way, alienates the reader from the immediate experience of reality. The words seem to clinch the meaning behind the state or the event described and then to reveal it entirely differently to the audience. Nevertheless, good poetry is like a transparent veil, through which we can see directly into the heart of things. It is very hard to state just exactly the limit between description and creation in a work of art. Even when art talks about well known events or feelings, it always seems to have much more than a descriptive value, reaching somewhere behind what is immediately known and always disclosing a secret. In many of their works, the Middle Eastern writers are concerned with the exact same thing: when they write about war or murder, they show us the unknown sides of these events. The attempt to voice these atrocities gives birth to an aesthetics which is all the more bemusing as it tears open the inside of crime, sin, hatred and the feelings they compel us to experience. Moreover, no matter its subject art is always the creation of beauty. As Muhammad Ali put it, "art is worthless unless it plants a measure of splendor in people's hearts" (Lehrer), that is, art can awaken and teach emotion and beauty."
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"The Last of the Mohicans", 2008.
An analysis of the race relations in "The Last of the Mohicans" by James F. Cooper.
1,081 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the overriding theme in Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans" is really one of the innate belief in white supremacy and that race's need to posses the entire continent. The paper explains that the prevailing consciousness at the time the novel was written was about white privilege and this is represented in Cooper's tales.
From the Paper
"Residing in the literary genre of the Romance novel, Cooper's work, the Last of the Mohicans' dominant backdrop is that of an adventure in the wilderness and the historical context of the siege and massacre of Fort William Henry in 1757. The overriding theme is civilization versus nature, or the war between instinct and reason. However, the undercurrent Cooper evokes is the feelings of his times regarding the white privilege of manifest destiny."
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"Riders of the Purple Sage", 2008.
An analysis of Zane Gray's novel "Riders of the Purple Sage".
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes how Zane Gray, in his novel "Riders of the Purple Sage", uses the conventions of the Wild West and the wide-open, lawless landscape of the Western territories, to tell a tale of how the religious conventions of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormons, clash with the desires of the central protagonists Bern Venters and Jane Withersteen.
From the Paper
"The beginning of the story shows an individual in conflict with society, and upholds individual rights above the rights of the community. What is so immediately striking about the novel is that a woman, Jane Withersteen, rather than a man, is at the center of the drama about land control and land ownership, and while the Mormons themselves were considered to be outsiders, even outlaws, by the federal government, because of the practice of polygamy, Withersteen's rejection of this practice, which she sees as an enslavement of a woman to male desires, makes her a pariah in the community. For Jane to tend her ranch, and to be able to care for her land only an outsider, Bern Venters will support her in her struggle."
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After the American Revolution, 2008.
A discussion of the events in "The Whiskey Rebellion" by Thomas. R. Slaughter, "The Long, Bitter Trail" by Anthony F.C. Wallace and "A Shopkeeper's Millennium" by Paul E. Johnson.
2,674 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the books "The Whiskey Rebellion", "The Long, Bitter Trail" and "A Shopkeeper's Millennium", which provide an overview of different events that resulted from the economic boom after the American Revolution. The paper shows how, in all three events, economics were at the root of the actions although these situations had secondary motivators as well. The paper also highlights how in all three events, uniting into groups of shared interests was the best way to overcome major challenges and more effectively control the future.
From the Paper
"After the American Revolution, production of staple products grew, economic risks decreased, transportation improved and individual merchants and small companies experienced reduced costs through improvement of economies of scale (McCusker & Menard, 22). Contrary to the Colonial Period, with the increasing demand for U.S. agricultural products, American farmers and merchants were no longer in debt to the British traders. Further, growing demand, in part due to Anglo-French wars, led to increased production of American products. As a result, across the country, there was an impetus by the settlers and recent arrivals to take advantage of the economic opportunities in this newly established nation."
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Literature and Democracy in the Middle East, 2008.
A look at Middle Eastern authors who are celebrated with Nobel prizes, yet are prosecuted in their home countries.
973 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper uses Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz, the Turkish author Orhan Pamuk and his Turkish compatriot, the feminist Elif Shafak as examples of those writers who, although are loved abroad, are prosecuted in their own country. The paper shows that until nations such as Egypt and Turkey embrace a broader conception of free speech, authors from these countries seem doomed to suffer either a kind of love/hate relationship with the powers that rule their nations or be threatened with out-and-out hostility.
From the Paper
"Modern Middle Eastern writers have often had a conflicted relationship with their national leadership and the people of their nation, even while Western readers and prize-giving committees welcome their unique perspectives with open arms. The authors are celebrated for their innovative style, such as the elusive, yet powerful deployment of symbolism in the works of the Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz or the magical realism of the Turkish author Orhan Pamuk."
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Harlem Renaissance and Negritude Writers, 2008.
A look at the Harlem Renaissance and Negritude poems and a film that celebrate the rebirth of Black culture.
2,092 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the works of poets such as Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Leopold Senghor and Aime Cesaire and also examines Haile Gerima and Shirikiana Aina's 1993 film "Sankofa". The paper highlights how both the poems and the film develop themes related to the rediscovery of a Black culture and a new identity.
From the Paper
"The Black population coming from the continent was constantly perceived as an inferior race and was subjected to intense racial discrimination in the societies it came in contact with. In response to such attitudes, there were numerous movements which advocated an emancipation of the Black race and a rediscovery of their heritage. At the same time, initiatives such as the Harlem Renaissance and the Negritude constantly tried to reach out to the roots of the Black culture and promote a new vision of Africa and its people. Poets such as Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, and Countee Cullen were representative for the literary segment of the Harlem Renaissance, while Leopold Senghor and Aime Cesaire were strong voices for the Negritude movement."
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Hooks and Racism, 2008.
This paper discusses Bell Hooks' treatment of the issue of racism, focusing on the work "Killing Rage: Ending Racism".
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the scholar Bell Hooks' 'Killing Rage: Ending Racism' begins with the shocking defense of a severely psychologically disturbed black man who unleashed a killing spree on the New York subway. The writer notes that while by no means defending murder, Hooks engages in a kind of tacit endorsement of the man's motivation, or his sophisticated understanding that both blacks and whites can perpetuate institutionalized racism, by supporting institutions that foster racist attitudes. The writer points out that America is a nation founded upon a racial divide between blacks and whites, founded upon the economic, political, and social legacy of slavery. The writer discusses that the notion of institutionalized, rather than personalized racism demarcated by Hooks stresses that although the effects of institutionalized racism may disproportionately affect blacks, both black and white 'bodies' can and do enforce the prejudices and stereotypes.
From the Paper
" Hooks' criticism seems apt in the sense that 'whiteness' as a construct, much like 'heterosexuality' and 'maleness' has only recently been problematized within contemporary academic discourse. But Hooks' use of the term as the opposite of blackness, in reference to individuals is itself problematic. What about racial categories of white people who only 'recently' became white, such as people of Irish, Italian, or Mediterranean extraction? Or Jewish people and members of other minorities that have not been able, historically, to fully participate in American culture because they are not seen as 'white.' Do they all see blackness in the same fashion because they are locked in the same ideological system, or do they exist within their own subculture as well as participate in the dominant discourse of black/white racialization?"
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Wages of Whiteness, 2008.
This paper reviews and discusses the book 'The Wages of Whiteness' by D.R. Roediger.
1,069 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 13 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The writer of this article discusses that in the work 'The Wages of Whiteness', the author, Roediger, explores the relationship between the growth of America's working classes and the social construction of prejudice behaviors or racism. The writer notes that the author structures the book chronologically, looking historically at the history of racism and working classes within the United States. The writer discusses that the primary premise behind the work is that white workers throughout history demanded or pushed for higher wages than their minority or African-American counterparts. The writer concludes that there is no doubt left in the mind of the reader that subjects of whiteness and discrimination continue within the United States.
From the Paper
"To support these arguments the author utilizes many resources, both primary and secondary. Much of the secondary information acquired by Roediger comes from his work with the Organization of American Historians, a select society that won Roediger a prize for his fervent work toward social equality. From the very first pages of the work, Roediger references tales of prejudice, by describing the experiences of two white boys, stating one carried a knife referred to as a "nigger gigger" which emphasizes the predominance of racism during the time periods the book reflects on. Kathleen Cleaver, who provides the introduction to the work, notes Roediger explores racism during the early years of US history, arguing that people cannot defend working class racism by reviewing socio-economic status only or alone. The same is true of students with economic advantages. Cleaver goes on to point out Roediger's belief that certain ideologies and psychological mythologies underpin many stereotypes against minorities, specifically Afridan Americans. These "ideologies" resulted in further classification of people of different color, enforcing pre-existing stereotypes about the ability or inability of any one class of people."
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Gender and Sexuality in Medieval Literature, 2008.
The paper examines women and sexuality in Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron" and Visnu Sarma's "The Pancantantra."
1,799 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
The paper presents the hypothesis that, contrary to the opinions of several modern historians, the writings of Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron" and Visnu Sarma's "The Pancantantra" represent accurate medieval thought regarding the status and treacherous nature of women. The paper shows how there are vast similarities between the women portrayed in Boccacio's work and those portrayed in "The Panchantantra", with both presenting a decidedly male perspective. The paper relates that the Panchantantra is stronger evidence that these attitudes prevailed in society and were not merely the views of the author himself.
Outline:
Boccacio: An Exploration in Florence, Italy
Sexuality in the Panchantantra
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Giovanni Bocaccio lived in the early to mid 1300s. He was embroiled in the precarious glory that embodied the city of Florence, Italy during that time. Boccacio's works provide the reader with a candid glimpse of politics, morality, and gender roles of the time. There are several differences between beliefs about sexuality in Boccacio's time and in the modern era.
"The first difference is the modern stereotype that males are more likely to experience insatiable sexual desire than women. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that women were much more susceptible to sexual desire than men. Men were considered to be more rational and closer to the spiritual realm than women. Women were considered to be carnal and materialistic, even if they were nuns."
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Homer and Dante, 2008.
A comparative analysis of the quest of the hero in Homer's "The Odyssey" and Alighieri Dante's "The Inferno".
1,364 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how in Homer's The Odyssey" and Alighieri Dante's "The Inferno" we see the universal quest of the hero. It looks at how "The Odyssey" is an epic adventure that would certainly be deemed heroic in its very being. In comparison, it discusses how "The Inferno", is less overtly so and how it is more of a personal journey, told in first person by the writer himself, Dante Alighieri. The paper contends that the theme for both is one of transformation and enlightenment. Both "heroes" of these stories had a need for personal fulfillment and reunification with their own spirit.
From the Paper
"One of the striking differences in these two quests is that one is full of a pantheon of gods and goddesses and the other is full of people. Homer gives us a lesson in Greek mythology and introduces us to many of their gods, yet they are somehow familiar. These gods have all too human attributes of love, greed, jealously, pride and so on. They are in essence human except for the fact that they are immortal and have power over nature. This reminds one of Jungian Archetypes, large scale emotional and psychological myths that represent the subconscious in human beings (Jung), except that these gods have the power to make their needs a reality, while humans may only be able to dream about it. However, this dreaming, these myths, reveal a panorama of psychological depth that is unattainable otherwise. "
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Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, 2008.
A character analysis of Lieutenant Jimmy Cross in Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried".
1,863 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
The paper presents the thesis that Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" depicts Jimmy Cross' journey from boyhood to manhood and reveals a character marked by youth's naivete, unshared love, war, death and the feeling of guilt. The paper discusses the common features he shares with other soldiers regarding his young age, his lack of experience and his misinterpretation of the war. The paper also considers the differences between Jimmy Cross and the other soldiers, Martha's mark on Lieutenant Jimmy Cross and how Lieutenant Cross copes with the death of Ted Lavender.
Outline:
Abstract
Similarity to other soldiers
Differences between Jimmy Cross and the other soldiers
Martha's mark on Lieutenant Jimmy Cross
Lieutenant Cross' coping with the death of Ted Lavender
From the Paper
"The Things They Carried is the first of a series of short stories that depict soldiers' lives during war times. The stories are based on author Tim O'Brien's own experience with war and his own charter is sometimes included in part of the writings. The short story revolves around a platoon of soldiers fighting in Vietnam and the things they carry with them (not only the actual things but also what they carry in their mind)."
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"Phenomenal Woman", 2008.
An analysis of Maya Angelou's celebration of womanhood and blackness in "Phenomenal Woman".
3,111 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Maya Angelou in her four-poem collection "Phenomenal Woman" reflects the same enthusiasm for the self and elation that is present in the works of the American national poet, Walt Whitman. The paper analyzes how Angelou makes an unforgettable statement in favor of the belief in the self as the most important creed in the lives of black women. The paper portrays how Angelou's poetry is an art and an important teaching, with almost healing properties for the black audience that has to live under the shadow of the oppressive past.
From the Paper
"Maya Angelou's short collection of poetry, entitled Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women, is, as the subtitle indicates, a celebration of womanhood. Angelou's poetry breathes forth the same enthusiasm for the self and the same elation that is present in the works of the American national poet, Walt Whitman. Just as Whitman sings the national self as well as the transcendent self in all its possible forms, Angelou sings her pride of being an Afro- American woman. Her poetry has obvious social and feminist implications, but at the same time, a transcendent meaning and a universal message are inherent in the poems."
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