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"Diamond Grill", 2008.
An analysis of how Fred Wah reflects on his multicultural heritage in his biofiction work, "Diamond Grill".
1,165 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Fred Wah's bio-fiction work, "Diamond Grill." It describes how Wah's words and ideas challenge binaries and how he reflects on his multicultural heritage throughout the book. The paper also questions why deconstructing oppositional thinking is important and discusses this in the context of Wah's work, "Diamond Grill."
From the Paper
"One must deconstruct oppositional thinking and analyze whether one can be both taken at face value based only on their individual person (regardless of race), and at the same time still champion a love for one's racial origin. Wah asks, "Why deny the immigrant his or her real world?" (125) and, at the same time, rejects society's ideal of what his family's "residue" must be: "Sorry, but I'm just not interested in this collective enterprise erected from the sacrosanct great railway imagination dedicated to harvesting a dominant white cultural landscape" (ibid). Again, even Wah admits it is difficult to loosen oneself from the bias that directs us to categorize people based on their race. The author himself notices glimpses of Chinese in his children's body posture, and searches for the hint of the "Nordic gloom" in their countenances (133). His brother Donnie is "the blondest Asian in our family" (140), "too blond to be the best Chinese cook in the family" (ibid). This is a bit of comic rhetoric on behalf of the writer: it is difficult to rid ourselves of these illusions, as society imputes them on a continual basis."
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Toni Morrison's "Beloved", 2008.
An analysis of the themes of ghosts, time, memory and trauma in Toni Morrison's "Beloved".
1,814 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Toni Morrison's "Beloved" offers sometimes confusing allegories stressing the power of the past over what may be bizarre events of the present and future. The paper also examines the ghost in the story, called "Beloved", and how the power of Beloved can be seen in how it forces attention to the past in those who need to exhume it and that whatever or whomever Beloved was, she had worked a kind of magic in evoking the deepest feelings of those with whom she insisted on living. The paper concludes that the surviving adults in the novel must make an effort to overcome their pasts, realizing they are past what harmed them, and transform themselves.
Outline:
124 Bluestone Road, Cincinnati
Beloved
From the Paper
" At the beginning of Beloved, Morrison commented that Paul D had read of an incident in Cincinnati involving a slave woman who killed one of her children when her owner caught up with her, an example of the way in which Morrison added details in a matter of fact way that leaves the reader to knit together the story as he or she will. The manner in which characters arrive and leave is part of Morrison's able way of suggesting fluid time and how characters are often distracted by matters not of the immediate present. For instance, Sethe's son's, Howard and Buglar, ran away in 1873 after years of life with phenomena that made the household a misery. (Beloved 272) As for Paul D, upon his arrival he comes to terms with an obviously haunted house. "
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The Construction of Childhood and the Child, 2008.
An analysis of the construction of childhood and of the child within historical and cultural contexts.
1,257 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the theoretical constructions of the child and of childhood have both changed significantly over time. In particular, It looks at a brief short story, "The Orange-Man, or the Honest Boy and the Thief," by Maria Edgeworth, penned in the late eighteenth century, that captures the optimism many elites felt about the prospects of children being molded into good citizens through instruction rather than through fear and recrimination.
From the Paper
"The construction of childhood and of the child has certainly changed over time. Harry Hendrick writes that children prior to the late seventeenth century were universally - more or less - perceived as being the inheritors of original sin; after about that point, perhaps because of the influential work of John Locke, the notion began to emerge that children were really "blank slates" who could be molded into either something good or something ill. In "The Orange-Man, or the Honest Boy and the Thief" we are confronted with a didactic tale in which a boy who is honest is lavishly rewarded by a grateful orange-man with (unsurprisingly) oranges while a thieving boy receives nothing for his trouble (Edgeworth, 165). "
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Poem: John B. Lee's "Hockey Heart", 2008.
An analysis of John B. Lee's poem, "Hockey Heart".
1,810 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that John B. Lee's poem, "Hockey Heart" reflects the Canadian spirit towards hockey, not simply as a sport for the nation, but as a way of life. The paper goes on to discuss the significance of the opening line of the poem, how Lee is able to capture the very personal relationship to hockey that each Canadian has even though it is an activity held dear by all Canadians, and the effective use of images in the poem. The paper concludes that Lee's poem "Hockey Heart" is like a national anthem, in that it is identifiable to those who had played and loved hockey.
From the Paper
"Lee's hockey player however is the most committed boy of the bunch: he is "always the last to leave" a game. In each Canadian child hockey player's mind, they are the most passionate about the sport, and usually the most adept, committed player. However, Lee's hockey player is revealed here to be not only a committed player but the most romantic and dedicated one. The fact that he is the last to leave shows that he is the one who lags around after the game, reflecting on the game, his performance and his love of the sport."
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The Nature of Evil, 2008.
An analysis of the concept of evil in John Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Shakespeare's "Othello".
2,220 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper examines pathological narcissism and how it manifests itself in Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Shakespeare's "Othello". The paper looks at the characteristics of jealousy, revenge, war and self-glorification and describes the devious, ingenious means by which both Satan and Iago wreak their havoc. The paper shows how these two characters portray how the nature of evil is to destroy and cause harm at any cost.
From the Paper
"Paradise Lost, a poem by John Milton, is one of his most highly acclaimed poems. This particular poem is about the birth of Adam and Eve and how they lost their place in the Garden of Eden, or Paradise, caused by Satan. In this poem Milton deals with many issues regarding concept of evil. The concept of evil is prevalent in the character, Satan, just as it is prevalent in the character of Iago. Predictably, they also harbor some of the psychological features of those inclined to evil-doing: incorrigible jealousy, narcissism (from which springs jealousy), an inability to look at oneself honestly, a taste for violence, and an irrepressible commitment to self-glorification. Going further, there are other similarities between Satan and Iago. Chiefly, the similarities revolve around their actual activities in the stories; to wit, each individual is far more interested in securing revenge."
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"Prozac Diary" and "Falling Angels", 2008.
A review of the effects of drug and alcohol abuse by mothers as portrayed in "Prozac Diary" by Lauren Slater and "Falling Angels" by Barbara Gowdy.
2,753 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts "Prozac Diary" by Lauren Slater and "Falling Angels" by Barbara Gowdy, both of which are based around the role of the mother figure. The paper discusses the plot of both the memoir by Slater and the novel by Gowdy, as well as the issues that are portrayed by the two writers, specifically drug and alcohol abuse of mothers and how they affect families.
From the Paper
"Both books hint at the threat posed by the mother, with the novel being more explicit about how damaging this might become. This is understandable given that Lauren Slater is talking about her own mother and her own life, though she does see the connection and does understand how much her problem might derive from her mother. She shows many of the same behavioral symptoms as the Field girls, though she finds her way of coping with this in Prozac, while the Field girls have not yet had to face the issue that squarely. Gowdy suggests that they will and that they will also be able to do so without cracking. They are stronger in their way than Slater was, though it would also seem that they have even more reason not to be given what they learn about their mother and how that makes them suffer even more."
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Peer Relationships, 2008.
This paper analyzes the peer relationships of Vittorio Innocente in Nino Ricci's "Lives of the Saints" and of Paddy Clarke in Roddy Doyle's "Paddy Clarke, Ha, Ha, Ha".
2,084 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the peer relations of Vitto, the protagonist in Nino Ricci's "Lives of the Saints", are marred by bullying, recrimination and the threat of violence. The paper then looks at the friends of Paddy, the protagonist in Roddy Doyle's "Paddy Clarke, Ha, Ha, Ha", are both a stand-in for something his home life cannot provide and a relatively good source of solace and replenishment when things grow tense. The paper shows how these children are classic examples of embattled youngsters trying to find a refuge or safe-house in an inhospitable world.
From the Paper
"In the opening pages of Ricci's arresting 1990 novel, we are made aware of the fact that Vittorio Innocente is an intelligent but rather rebellious and indolent boy who would rather be out of class sharing "smokes" with his friend, Fabrizio, then engaging in the burdensome task of acquiring an education (Ricci, 3). We also learn that "Vitto" has been born into fairly privileged circumstances; to wit, his mother is the daughter of the town mayor (Ricci, 11). Thus, the willful young man who lies at the center of the story is blessed with a measure of social standing that not all children his age are fortunate enough to enjoy. It may also be said that Vitto is spoiled, not by the standards of a North American, perhaps, but certainly spoiled by the standards of his community."
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Stories about Womenc, 2008.
Compares Tillie Olsen's "I Stand Here Ironing" and Alice Walker's "Everyday Use".
870 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 0 sources, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker and "I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen, are both stories about a relationship between a mother and her daughter and both emphasize the environment and its effect on the character. The paper further points out that the women in these stories are separated from men, which creates a tension between themselves and their neighbors. In addition, the paper relates that both these stories focus on the immediate world of the main characters and yet comment on the situation for others in this class. The women share a certain isolation from the world and also face similar concerns about their daughters. .
From the Paper
"The setting for "Everyday Use" is such that the act of quilting becomes a way of remembering, a way of recalling the past and memorializing it in the quilt. Indeed, pieces of the past are part of each quilt in the form of such things as "pieces of Grandpa Jattell's Paisley shirts." Three generations of women live in this house together and share enjoyment of the quilts. In "I Stand Here Ironing," the setting is the enclosed world of this woman and her child. The outside world may be represented by employers, the woman downstairs, or the children Emily interacts with at school."
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"Simple Recipes", 2008.
A critical analysis of Madeleine Thein's "Simple Recipes", using a secondary source.
838 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly discusses Madeleine Thein's "Simple Recipes" and looks at the intra-family squabble that develops in the story because of stereotyping. More specifically, the paper looks at how the son in, "Simple Recipes", harbors a very negative impression of Malaysian culture in contrast to the father in the story who is proud of his Malaysian background. The paper points out that, in the story, the father and a son activate in one another conflicting stereotypes that culminate in the latter being harshly disciplined by the former. The paper suggests that this is a good example of how stereotypes can blind even loved ones to the realities experienced by each other; moreover, it also demonstrates the plight of many new immigrants arriving in Canada and striving to carve out for themselves a new life.
From the Paper
"Simply stated, when stereotype activation can frustrate goal achievement - be it comprehension goals, self-enhancement goals, and the motivation to avoid prejudice - people will suppress any desire to activate stereotypes/generalizations. Going further, goal intensity is influenced by situational factors. For instance, self-enhancement goals can be intensified by failure and/or reduced by a particular self-affirming experience. As well, comprehension goals can be strengthened by surprise or weakened by time pressure"
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Yann Martel's "Life of Pi", 2008.
Analyzes the themes of religion and human nature in Yann Martel's "Life of Pi".
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the intensely personal nature of Yann Martel's "Life of Pi" and how the complex subject of religion is presented in a fashion that is non-judgmental, charitable and insightful. The author points out that the book is compelling and powerful because the fictionalized author of the tale talks about his own life and struggles while, at the same time, shrouding so many things in suspenseful mystery. The paper suggests that the story uses the theme of religion to capture the human yearning for something better than everyday life with its frequent occurrences of human bestiality. The paper also stresses that Martel's lucid prose, crisp plot and strong dialogue support his central message about faith and why faith truly matters.
From the Paper
"The other great struggle that unfolds in the second part of the book, as it turns out, is the struggle to maintain his humanity in the face of butchery. The cook (the Hyena) who kills the young soldier (the terribly wounded Zebra with the mangled leg) is a horrid being who torments the dying soldier in much the same way as the Hyena torments the wounded Zebra by eating it alive. Faced with such evil, the violent death of his mother, and overcome by desperation and hunger, Pi Patel turns on the cook (becoming Richard Parker, the Bengal Tiger), killing him brutally with a knife and then eating the corpulent fellow for his own satiation."
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"In Dubious Battle" by John Steinbeck, 2008.
An analysis of the metamorphism of absolutist political ideology within "In Dubious Battle" by John Steinbeck.
882 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the absolutist political ideology of the labor leader, Jim Nolan, in John Steinbeck's novel, "In Dubious Battle". The paper looks at how at the beginning of the strike, Nolan portrays a leader that rests on stern and unyielding principles to overtake and destroy the tyranny of labor domination by landowners. The paper then points out that this unyielding and uncompromising political view, however, results in the failure of the strike and the death of Nolan. The paper then suggests that Jim Nolan represents a metamorphism of an absolutist political ideology that is unrealistic and eventually ends with the failure of the strike within Steinbeck's novel.
From the Paper
"The first stage of Jim Nolan's desire to overthrow the cruel and greedy landowners that force him and other to work for brutally low wages is based of his hatred of tyrannical authority. The novel describes the way that Nolan and others had to live in poverty and destitution, which then acts as a catalyst for Nolan's absolutist desire to overthrow the landowners. Steinbeck (1992) relates the foundation for a labor rights when Nolan is questioned about his motives for joining the Union league Club."
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"Revisiting America" Through the Eyes of Susan Wyle, 2008.
A review of the book "Revisiting America" by Susan Wyle.
1,090 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Susan Wyle's book "Revisiting America". The paper explains that this book is a collection of stories of national treasure and bound together through her love of teaching, writing and desire to understand the implications of American History on our world today. The paper examines how Wyle uses a historical context to look at issues such as race, culture and conflict through the memories of people whose lives history sculpted. The paper also points out that each story calls for tolerance when dealing with ethnic differences in a way no other has seemed to be able to do. In conclusion, the paper shows that Susan Wyle, through her methods of teaching, has brought all her readers into her think tank and enlightened many.
From the Paper
"Another example of how Wyle (2004) demonstrates the commonality between all human beings is through minority groups. Although minority groups preserve their culture they also process the broader culture of their host country--in this case America. Take the immigration of the Irish. Although they left their country behind they brought with them their language, their religious beliefs, their culture specific foods and beverages and their music--by migrating to America the Irish brought their culture and became interdependent with the host culture of America."
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