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"Swamp Angel" & "Twenty-Six", 2008.
This paper compares and contrasts the books "Swamp Angel by Ethel Wilson and "Twenty-Six" by Leon Mckay Jr.
1,021 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Ethel Wilson's "Swamp Angel" and Leon McKay Jr.'s "Twenty-Six" are two dramatic novels written by Canadian authors and set within Canadian borders. The writer maintains that despite these superficial similarities they are, however, very similar books in their themes of compassion, familial relationships, time, drama, pain, and the necessity of moving forward. The writer concludes that the endings of "Swamp Angel" and "Twenty-Six" represent the importance of compassion in redemption. Life is difficult, the authors seem to acknowledge; but it rolls on, regardless of us. The writer maintains that the only means through which we can improve our lives and obtain meaning is through acceptance of change and the embracing of the human beings who are important to us - our family.
From the Paper
"Both novels deal closely with the theme of compassion towards those around us, as part of being human. The novels Swamp Angel and Twenty-Six also deal with the concept of responsibility, particularly in a familial sense. Wilson's book serves to remind the reader what it is to be human. That is, we must not only be ourselves, but are responsible for the consequences of our actions and how they effect others - especially family members. This concept of responsibility is tied in with the idea of time. Wilson's character Maggie demonstrates that though time is ours, it does not permit us the joy and irresponsibility of floating along of our own accord, acting of our own whim without regard to others. Instead, life and relationships are temporal. And, in the temporal flow of relationships, changes abound. When Mrs. Severance gives up the Swamp Angel, she recognizes that time and change are necessary ideals to uphold."
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The Sonnets of Layton, Bowering, and Webb, 2008.
A comparison of sonnet forms in the works of Irving Layton, George Bowering, and Phyllis Webb.
1,870 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the great variety of modern sonnet forms in the works of Irving Layton, George Bowering, and Phyllis Webb. It maintains that, by understanding the tenets of free verse that accompany fourteen lines presented in stanza formation, the poetry of Layton and Webb show a similarity in line structure, yet they often stray from the haiku form used by Webb. The paper points out that the poetry of Bowering offers a stilted lack of fourteen-line combinations, despite the rhyme scheme of the traditional sonnet form. At the same time, he offers a free verse sensibility that is modern in the forms used by Webb and Layton. In conclusion, the paper holds that all three of these poets project an individualistic and modern adaptation of the sonnet form.
From the Paper
"George Bowering's "Summer Solstice" provides a very similar usage of iambic pentameter, very much in line with Layton's style. However, the reliance on fourteen line verses are missing from Bowering's organization of poems overall parts. The first part of the poem represents a distinct introduction that his poem is being based on the traditional fourteen-line sonnet, but this is the only recognizable aspect of the eleven parts he provides as a continuum of his overall form."
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Socrates, Forms & Epistemology, 2008.
This paper looks at Socrates' argument concerning forms or ideal structures and epistemology.
1,114 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer discusses that Socrates accomplishes much of his rational argument based on establishing that forms or ideal structures only result in knowledge and he argues that sophists make of knowledge nothing but a commodity. The writer points out that Socrates' ultimate demise is well-known through the reproduction of his argument by his star pupil, Plato and it is to Plato that most Socratic researchers must rely on to gain a better understanding of Socrates because he never wrote anything at all. The writer notes that it is Socrates' use of forms as a paradigm for epistemological study which has freed philosophical pursuits from simple contemplation of knowledge and moved it to the application of insight and wisdom. The writer maintains that for Socrates, the world of forms was useful as a rational construct upon which to make his philosophical points; that is, knowledge to Socrates was only the starting point for philosophical debate whereas for others such as the sophists, knowledge and the pursuit of it were the ultimate goal or pursuit.
From the Paper
"However, the force of Socrates' renunciation of sophist thought and doctrine comes through so clearly in Plato's work that it is clear that Plato relied on Socratic opinion almost exclusively for the foundation of his most renowned works such as the Republic which contains a series of Plato's works. Therefore, were this last the case then Plato would be known almost exclusively as the father of philosophy rather than Socrates and Socrates would be a mere footnote. Yet, the marvel of Socrates' fame and his foundational position in the philosophical body of knowledge is that through him philosophy was given a greater conception of itself as separate from pure knowledge which Socrates demonstrated was relatively invaluable without the more important qualities of moral justice, wisdom, and restraint.."
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Perception of Evil and Wickedness in Literature, 2008.
A comparison of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the similarities, in terms of evil and wickedness, between the book "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad and the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. The paper explains that in both works, the reader is forced to consider whether wickedness and evil are outside sources that influence the people or, conversely, if evil and wickedness are inside every human being. The paper then looks at how both authors force the reader to consider what actions constitute evil and wickedness, particularly where social normalcy and self-preservation are involved. The paper also suggests that the texts vary in terms of community and social ties as an avenue of evil; "The Lottery" depicts social tradition and normalcy as an opportunity for seemingly senseless violence, while "Heart of Darkness" calls on human kinship as a way to avoid evil and corruption. The paper concludes that in addressing these complex issues, both Conrad and Jackson grapple with the same concerns: the perception of evil and its relationship with being human.
From the Paper
"Evil and wickedness are often talked about as an external force since people do not like to admit that they are capable of evil and wickedness. Instead, many like to believe that evil is an outside force that makes people do things or, at worst, an occasional individual who has become evil after being affected by such forces. For example, Neilson describes Kurtz when the "darkest element has taken control" (41). Does this imply that Kurtz is no longer himself and that a greater force is responsible for his acts? A similar quandary exists in "The Lottery." After reaching the end of the story, the reader has gotten to know the characters in Jackson's story. They seem to be normal, average citizens. How, then, can they be part of the brutal lottery ritual if some outside force is not acting upon them?"
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Life in Auschwitz, 2008.
A comparison of the "Memoir Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account" by Miklos Nyiszli with the film "The Grey Zone" directed by Tim Blake Nelson.
2,754 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper examines and compares the "Memoir Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account" by Miklos Nyiszli with the film "The Grey Zone" directed by Tim Blake Nelson. The paper argues that the two differ significantly in their portrayal of the reality of the gas chambers and crematoriums of Auschwitz. The writer believes that the essence of the book is a stark portrayal of the brutal, belief-defying reality of Auschwitz, however the film in typical Hollywood style, fails to capture this essence. The writer explains that the film focuses on one act of rebellion that took place in the camp, thus focusing on heroism but glossing over the full reality and horror of the SS death machinery, as well as the mystery of why so many people walked passively to their death. The writer concludes that while "The Grey Zone" is a good film with strong acting from an accomplished cast, it is too trapped in the conventions of Hollywood to do justice to the essence of the book on which it is based.
From the Paper
"This is an example of the kind of evil that makes it inadequate to refer to Auschwitz as a moral gray area. Moreover, it should be noted that the detail of the murdered toddler twins is a good example of the way in which the film fails to capture the essence of evil that permeates the book. In the film, there is a very brief scene in which Oberscharfuhrer Eric Muhsfeldt (brilliantly played by Harvey Keitel in what must have been one of the greatest performances of his life) peeks at what looks like the corpse of a young woman on the dissecting table, and remarks that they are usually young. Nyiszli matter of factly explains that it is more usual to find twins together when they are young. This brief exchange does not remotely rise to the level of horror conveyed by Nyiszli's discovery that the twin toddlers have been killed with an injection of chloroform into the heart."
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Marriage, Relationships and Society, 2008.
A comparison of two articles:"Marriage: Then and Now" by Stephanie Coontz and "Family Responsibilities: The Politics of Love and Care" by Meg Luxton.
1,038 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses two articles that both deal with the interrelationships between domestic relationships and the broader society: :"Marriage: Then and Now" by Stephanie Coontz and "Family Responsibilities: The Politics of Love and Care" by Meg Luxton. The paper explains that Coontz supplies the reader with an interesting account of the history of marriage, showing how it has changed according to dominant social and historical trends. The paper then points out that Luxton shows how neoliberal capitalist policies have impacted family relationships and that the assumption that families must be self-reliant, and independent of the capitalist economy, dates back to 18th century liberalism. The writer concludes that both of these articles are written from a starting point of love and caring and both have an underlying agenda of promoting the greatest possible amount of individual and family happiness within the realities of our current society. The writer also believes that both articles provide useful insights into social realities, and constructive suggestions that can increase the happiness of many relationships.
From the Paper
"The underlying assumption of Coontz's article is that marriage is one of the many mechanisms of our society - it will thus change according to various social demands made on it. She does not appear to see any malevolent forces at work in this - marriage is simply an inanimate institution whose functions grow or contract depending on the pressures brought to bear on it. By contrast, Luxton's article does seem to pinpoint some malevolent forces at work. She blames what she calls the neoliberal agenda for the reduced role that the state is playing in fulfilling social responsibilities. Thanks to neoliberalism. She believes that the well-being of families has become subordinate to the well-being of business."
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"The Knight's Tale", 2008.
An analysis of the six tenets of the chivalric code for knighthood in "The Knight's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer.
810 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper examines prowess, truth, honor, freedom, courtesy and glory as tenets of the chivalric code in "The Knight's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer. The paper discusses how knights enacted these various traits in their roles as medieval warriors.
From the Paper
"The basis of Chaucer's view of Chivalry defines way and manner in which knights would defend the honor of a lady by always being courteous and gentle, regardless of the military might a knight may exude. Respect for women is clearly part of the chivalric code through courtesy and honor, which defends the love of a woman through a knight's actions and behaviors. The issue of knightly conflict between Palamon and Alcite occurs when lady Emily arouses both of their desire for love--often called courtly love. Jealousy mounts between the two men, who immediately site vows of honor and truth they took as knights to uphold their love for Emily."
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"Season of Migration to the North", 2008.
A review of the book "Season of Migration to the North" by Tayeb Salih.
1,173 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how Tayeb Salih in "Season of Migration to the North" uses both sacrificial and redemptive violence in his graphic depictions in his novel. The paper explains that the redemptive nature applies symbolically to the vanquishing of tradition and culture that mistreated and repressed members of society. The paper further explains that the sacrificial nature of the violence is those that died, with the hope that the living would ensure that their culture move on from the harmful and repressive traditions of the past.
From the Paper
"The sacrificial hero gives his life violently so that others may live, in stories of redemption, often the villain meets a violent death at the hands of the hero. In Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North, there are several instances of violent ends, yet through this meandering story the true sacrificial or redemptive nature of these deaths are as intertwined as the fates of the characters to the end of British Colonialism in Africa. The story takes place in the early part of the twentieth century as the British Empire begins to fade away from its Victorian Glory. At the story's climax, the nameless narrator is pondering the events of his life and that of his dead friend Mustafa in a room that is the "cave of wonders" of Mustafa's life, all of the treasures gathered from a life ill spent (Salih 134)."
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Feminist Elements in Literature: A Comparison, 2008.
An analysis of the feminism in "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker and "Beloved" by Toni Morrison.
1,229 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper compares and contrasts the feminist elements within "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker and "Beloved" by Toni Morrison. The paper addresses the issues of female victimization, gender roles and feminist liberation. The paper shows how the crucial elements of feminism depict a greater sense of female identity in African-American literature.
From the Paper
"Alice Walker reveals issue of feminist victimization through her characterization in The Color Purple. The evolution of mostly male perceptions of life through racism was the norm until women writers began to change this focus in African American literary forums. Nellie often takes on the part of victim to male aggression, since she has been raped repeatedly by her owner, and the other abusive males in her life. Walker's portrayal of Nellie is very similar to the way and manner in which Morrison depicts her female roles in Beloved, such Sethe. However, the major difference between these two women is the way that slavery has affected them, and how they had let it affect their lives."
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Jeanette Armstrong and the Unpoetic, 2008.
An analysis of Aboriginal Canadian poet, Jeanette Armstrong's poem "History Lesson".
1,790 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Aboriginal creative talent in Jeanette Armstrong's poem "History Lesson." The paper points out that the history of Aboriginal Canadians is one of colonization and oppression, and as such, it is hard to imagine that their authentic art or writing could escape dealing with these unpoetic realities. The paper maintains that the poem reflects Armstrong's commitment to ruthlessly dealing with the unpoetic. The paper attempts to show the larger social context in which Armstrong was working. It concludes that grappling with the unpoetic offers the colonized people the opportunity to heal and take back the creativity that was crushed by the colonizers' "educative" attempts.
From the Paper
"Thus, all in all, the Aboriginals lost much that was of value in their culture, and gained aspects of the European culture that either were not valuable, or were actively destructive. Moreover, Aboriginals also lost their land, their children, and their economic way of life. We see the results of all of this loss and destruction in Aboriginal lives today. Modern Aboriginal Canadians have a much higher rate of lifestyle-related health problems than do non-Aboriginals. For example, Aboriginal rates of alcoholism, drug addiction, and diseases related to prostitution, are much higher than the rates of non-Aboriginals. Moreover, family violence problems are much more prevalent (Carter). In addition, poor parenting is almost the norm. As has been pointed out: "Poverty and family dislocation are the norm among Aboriginal families" (Robertson 555)."
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Honor and its Social Impact in "The Iliad" by Homer, 2008.
An analysis of the social roles of the heroic code of honor in "The Iliad" by Homer.
2,167 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the heroic code of honor in Homer's "The Iliad" by examining the social roles of Hector and Achilles within the construct of familial and military culture. The paper defines the social role of Hector as a hero and as an ethical defender of his family through civic responsibility. The paper looks at the social role of gift giving as a part in the heroic code, because honor becomes the central catalyst for the heroic portrayals provided by Homer in "The Iliad". The paper then points out that Achilles also abides by strong ethic towards honor, which invariably creates a social impact on his actions after Patroklos is killed. In conclusion, the paper shows that the impact of these social norms drive Achilles and Hector toward the extreme violence of war, which ultimately ends in their deaths.
From the Paper
"The encounter between Hector and Andromache during the battle reflects a Homeric process, which allows for a union between family that is compassionate and not driven necessarily by a cold and calculating necessity for war on the part of the soldier. In this manner, Homer is projecting a socially responsible man in Hector that respects social traditions military and within the family unit. Andromache is a wife that shows concern, and only wishes for her husband to stay with her and not die in battle with the Aecheans. In this manner, Hector is not only questing to find solace in his wife's love for him, but actually seeks to be consoled before entering into the main thicket of war outside the Trojan City."
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Individuality and Free Will in Literature, 2008.
An analysis of the theme of individual consciousness and anxiety of free will in the works of Robert Frost and Ernest Hemingway.
1,681 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the theme of individuality and the anxiety of free will in the poems; "Mending Wall" and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost, and the short story; "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway. The paper describes how Frost uses the poetic images of nature to help define the individual in nature, which builds upon the anxiety of free will outside of boundaries and social norms. The paper then shows how Hemingway accounts for a dualistic account of free will that defines male issues of commitment with a girl.
From the Paper
"The poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" defines the deviant sense of individualism that Frost seeks. By being an intruder on another man's property, he finds solace in his being able to stop and appreciate the quieter aspects of Nature. Frost writes on his own sense of refusal to accept laws and common notions of property in his individualistic perception of Nature:
Whose woods these are I think I know,
His house is in the village though.
He will not see me stopping here,
To watch his woods fill up with snow."
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