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Alice Walker's "Beauty", 2008.
A summary and review of Alice Walker's essay "Beauty: When the Dancer is the Self".
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Alice Walker's essay "Beauty: When the Dancer is the Self" is a brief summary of how her perception of beauty has had an impact on her internal life. The paper relates that the essay describes how, when she was young and perfect in her own eyes, she was confident. This confidence was lost when she perceived herself as greatly flawed, only to return when the scar tissue is removed. The paper then relates that, regardless of what Walker wants the reader to take away from the essay, the ending reminds the reader that even Walker's alleged acceptance of her remaining flaw is flawed in itself.
From the Paper
"Rather than simple and straightforward anecdotes, Walker has to take the reader back from a moment of doubt to previous moments of acceptance. Rather than leave the reader with the idea that her doubt about her self and her beauty remains, Walker relates several brief stories that culminate in an anecdote that takes place nine years earlier, when her daughter notices the "world" in her mother's eye."
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Gender Relations in Chinese Literature, 2008.
A review of the Chinese story "Han the Fifth Sells her Charms in New Bridge Town" by Feng Menglong.
2,110 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Feng Menglong provides a window into the social, cultural, economic and political nature of Chinese society in the 17th century in his story "Han the Fifth Sells her Charms in New Bridge Town". The paper looks specifically at gender relations in Chinese Society in the 17th century. The paper explains that men and women had rigidly defined roles as well as a range of social and moral obligations attached to these gender roles. Individuals who fail to remain within these prescribed gender roles are seen as weak and immoral. The paper then discusses how Feng Menglong demonstrates what happens when individuals step outside of their prescribed gender roles.
From the Paper
"From the story "Han the Fifth Sells her Charms in New Bridge Town" it appears that gender roles were very important in 17th Century Chinese society. Men were seen as being connected to the Yang(Menglong 91). In order to understand the importance of this it is necessary to look at the concept of Ying and Yang. Ying and Yang are often expressed in a symbol known as the Tai Ji Tu made up of two fish shaped symbols forming a circle. Yang is the active, male heaven principle. Ying is the passive, female earth principle."
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"In A Free State", 2008.
An analysis of the elements of Caribbean life in "In A Free State" by V.S. Naipaul.
3,099 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Naipaul's stories in "In A Free State" and discusses how, although the author uses the setting of neo-colonial Africa, one can discern subtle elements of Caribbean culture. The paper focuses on the nature and effects of colonialism in Africa and the Caribbean.
Outline:
Africa and Colonialism
Colonialism and the Caribbean
Naipaul on Colonialism
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Although this book is advertised as a novel, it is truly a series of three short stories tied together by a prologue and an epilogue. What this book does deliver is a dark look at African life. Looking deeper at the subject matter, however, some suggestion exists of the influence that Caribbean life has had on the author. That he has chosen to focus on the Indian experience and that of neocolonial Africa make this story grouping interesting. Instead of setting them in the Caribbean of his childhood, Naipaul has taken some of the influences that he experienced there and used them in another setting."
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Gothic in "The Yellow Wallpaper", 2008.
An analysis of 19th century Gothic literary theory in "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
2,028 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the premise of the "gothic" in Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" reveals the social, domestic, and psychological factors that imprison and terrify the story's narrator. It looks at how the gothic sensibility of this story is revealed through the way that psychology is used through a patriarchal construct in order to control housewives in a male-dominated 19th century gothic household. The paper also examines how the domestic sphere of the narrator's house severely limited her ability to find broader social spheres in which she might find liberation from this patriarchy.
From the Paper
"The gothic tradition in "The Yellow Wallpaper" is the deeply embedded in the psychological interior of the narrator's mind, as she must face the gothic patriarchy of her husband. "The narrator's complex vision of the horrors of patriarchy in the "The Yellow Wallpaper" is only matched by the final complex and horrific vision of the senseless and crawling, infantile narrator in a posture that literalizes what she has implied is woman's position in America" (Davison 66). Indeed the climax of the tale depicts John's misdiagnosis of his wife's "minor" problem and disproves his authority in a subversion conclusion when he who "never was nervous in his life" reacts by fainting, thus assuming the traditional role of frail femme (Davison 66)."
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Identity in "The Hamilton Case", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of identity in Michelle de Kretser's novel "The Hamilton Case".
1,434 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Michelle de Kretser's "The Hamilton Case" is a novel which complicates notions of identity, using the post-colonial genre as its method. The paper focuses on Sam, the novel's main character, and his obsession with being exclusively English despite his skin color, his location and his status as the colonized. The paper shows how Sam confuses our ideas of identity, allegiance, nationality, or even right and wrong in the colonial and post-colonial scene.
From the Paper
"An argument may be made that Sam argues for, and inhabits, an integrated Ceylonese identity--one which recognizes its English history, but remains as something separate. At one point in the novel, Sam is mocked by Jaya, who questions his allegiance to Englishness: "[Jaya] snorted. 'A grove, a glade - why use words designed for an English forest? They have nothing to do with this jungle of ours'" to which Sam replies "'English is our inheritance too,'... 'Why shouldn't we mould it to our needs? Grove and palu in the same sentence - isn't that distinctively Ceylonese?'" (de Kretser, 71). At another time, Sam reflects nostalgically on his schooldays, claiming that the culture there was one of integration, despite the backgrounds, religions or races of the students: "'As any Old Edwardian will attest, the prevalent tone of the school was one of comradeship unmarred by racial or religious strife. We spoke English, our only common tongue, to each other as well as to our masters." (deKretser, 26). "
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Kaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner", 2008.
Looks at the universality of experiences in Kaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner".
795 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper describes Kaled Hosseini's book "The Kite Runner" as a coming of age novel. The paper then describes one of the most poignant scenes in the book, Amir's recounting of the great kite battle in which he manages to best every flyer in the neighborhood on a lovely winter's day, to point out the universalities of experience demonstrated in this novel. The paper also compares the details of this scene to experiences of American children and states that something that young people in every culture go through as they mature is the realization that the parental generations is not all knowing.
From the Paper
"The specific contest that takes place is distinctly not American: kite battling. While many American children learn to fly kites, and it is a very popular pastime, particularly on some windy beaches, the idea of battling with kites appears to be a distinctly Middle Eastern sport. The preparation that Amir and his friend Hassan have put into this, however, echoes sports and contests of every type. They have saved their money in anticipation of the contest."
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Meng-long's "Du Tenth Sinks the Jewel Box in Anger", 2008.
This essay is a thematic analysis of Feng Meng-long's "Du Tenth Sinks the Jewel Box in Anger" in terms of gender in 16th century China.
1,759 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
The essay discusses the themes related to men and women in Feng Meng-long's "Du Tenth Sinks the Jewel Box in Anger", a short story typical of vernacular courtesan romances popular with the 16th century shift towards a business culture prevalent through the Ming Dynasty. Specifically, the author analyzes the relationships between the character of Master Li with his father and with his lover Du Tenth.
Outline:
Introduction
The Economics of Brothels
Male Weakness as Unfeeling Behaviour
Last Remarks
From the Paper
"As a member of Li Zhi's school of writing which stressed human sentiment and behaviour, Feng stressed to the reader how Master Li had acted out of cowardice, thinking that the sale of Du Tenth would permit resolution in the future, that he could return to his family and later have Du Tenth. She is having no part of it, of course, having seen immediately what Sun had placed in Li's mind and how easily he had gone ahead with what seemed a solution. At once, the reader understands that her sentiment has been genuine along with her words, and also, that she is shrewd and when revealing the wealth she had amassed to give to her husband, that she is far better as business woman and person able to manage in the world. For Feng, men are cowardly when ignoring women's feelings, and easily manipulated, or opportunists in the manner of Sun who almost managed to get hold of Du Tenth. Unsurprisingly, in the romantic scheme of things, it is Du Tenth the whore who proves to have nobler sentiment, as well as intelligence. Feng summarized that 'Sun Fu, who thought nothing of throwing away a thousand taels in a plot to steal away a lovely woman, was certainly no gentleman, while Li Jia, who failed to recognize Du Tenth's sincere devotion, was a vulgar person not even worth talking about.' (p.855)
"The crowd wondered why she had not found a mate that suited her beauty and devotion, the whole story most pitiful in that she has suffered for her honesty, risked leaving the brothel behind, believing that she had found her future with Master Li who seems not to appreciate, at all, the radical step that she has taken, placing herself on the winds of fate, willing to go anywhere and face any consequences with the man she loves."
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William Chittick's "The Sufi Path of Knowledge", 2008.
The essay summarizes the first three chapters in William Chittick's text, "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination", and goes on to analyze the text and themes of the doctrine of divine names and Finding/Being.
2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This essay represents an exposition of the first three chapters of Chittick's text called "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination", including: the first chapter, "Overview" of Ibn al-'Arabi's life and work; the second chapter, "Theology", with a particular reference to its explication of Ibn al-'Arabi's doctrine of Names; and the third chapter, "Ontology", with a focus on Ibn al-'Arabi's concepts of Being and Finding and the relationship between these important ideas.
Outline:
Introduction
Chapter 1 - Overview - The Divine Presence
Chapter 2 - Theology - The Names of God
Chapter 3 - Ontology
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The first of these sections is entitled "Finding God" which not only provides Chittick with an opening for Ibn al-'Arabi's work that would be interesting and accessible to the lay reader, but also allows Chittick to introduce critical concepts such as relationship between Finding and Being, and their implications for our learning of God. "Finding" in this sense is a rendering of the Arabic word wujud, which in other contexts may be understood as "existence" or "being". Chittick also uses this chapter to highlight differences between concepts as they are understood in the West and their significance in Ibn al-'Arabi's teachings. For example, he note that Ibn al-'Arabi's 'main concern is not with the mental concept of being but with the experience of God's Being, the tasting (dhawq) of Being, that "finding" which is at one and the same time to perceive and to be that which truly is'."
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Literary Journeys, 2008.
Describes the literary journeys of Kenneth Grahame, Gwyneth Lewis, Sujata Bhatt and J.D Salinger.
1,335 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that each of the pieces of literature in this paper involves a journey. The author points out that, in each work, the author enters a world of the written word and writes in ways reflecting a particular outlook. The paper relates the journey of Toad in Kenneth Grahame's "Wind in the Willows", of poet Gwyneth Lewis in first-person simile "Fax X", of poet Sujata Bhatt's journey from India and of Zooey Glass in J.D Salinger's "Franny and Zooey".
From the Paper
"This is poetry, sophisticated, complex, a stream of images, in which passivity - things being done to the characters in the poem - and activity - the actions of these characters - blend together. "We" are taken into the new day as if on a cruising ship. This poem reflects a world in which the journeys of life are more inflicted than chosen. While Toad chose his journeys, the "we" of this poem are taken on the journey, with no real expression of choice in the matter."
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"Londonstani", 2008.
This paper highlights the in-between position of the narrator in "Londonstani" by Gautam Malkani.
1,138 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how the narrator in "Londonstani" occupies a position that enables him to give voice to the complexities of identities for a young Sikh Asian in a thoroughly Westernized context. The paper discusses how this in-between position makes him ideally placed to also comment on the other characters. The paper conveys how the narrator is, therefore, an ideal vehicle for Malkani to convey the complexities of the "Londonstani" experience.
From the Paper
"Every maturing adolescent is faced with the challenge of forging his or her own identity, often choosing aspects from the variety of role models that surround him or her. This process is particularly hard in the challenging multicultural context depicted in Londonstani. Jas and his young Asian friends are part of a minority - a minority that may be targeted with the insulting word "Paki," even though they are British-born, although in the book this does not actually happen. Moreover, Jas is more in-between than his friends, due to his unenviable status as a "sap" or nerd."
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"The Turn of the Screw", 2008.
This paper examines the theme of death and silence in the language of "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James.
1,188 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes how the lack of sound in James' novel "The Turn of the Screw" represents the fear of death that accumulates in the ghostly images. The paper shows how these images represent the governess' struggle with silence and her inability to maintain control over the children and the household.
From the Paper
"The theme of death in The Turn of the Screw arises through the construct of the silent interaction between the dead and the living. When the governess is placed in charge of Miles and Flora, there is markedly silent aspect of communication that arises during her care of the children. The first representation of silence arises when the governess sees Peter Quint's ghost. He is extremely pale and becomes the first major aspect of James' language that defines death as a threat to the governess's duty to protect the children from intruders."
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Double Vision in "The Great Gatsby", 2008.
This paper examines the double meanings in Scott F. Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby".
926 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the story "The Great Gatsby" is about the lives of rich people who lead glamorous, romantic and exciting lives but, at the same time, is about characters that are crude and corrupt. The paper explains that by telling the story in an ambiguous way, Fitzgerald makes the point that the selfish pursuit of the American Dream is empty and based on moral corruption.
From the Paper
"The central character in this novel is Jay Gatsby. Yet even this central figure is ambiguous. For a start, Jay Gatsby is not his real name - his real name is James Gatz. This prosaic name shows the reader that the reality of Jay Gatsby is much less romantic than he tries to pretend. On the one hand, we may see this as romantic - James Gatz is following the American Dream, trying to become more than he was when he started out in life. But on the other hand, he is living a lie. He is not Jay Gatsby; he is James Gatz. The fact that Gatsby lies about something as basic and fundamental as his name signifies that he is also lying about something even more basic and fundamental - he is lying about his basic character and morality."
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