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Oedipus and Fate, 2008.
An examination of the struggle between fate and man's will in Socrates' story "Oedipus".
982 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the story of "Oedipus" and the struggle that the character Oedipus encountered between fate and his own will and determination. The paper shows how the more Oedipus tried to avoid his fate the more it became a reality. The paper also discusses the symbolic reasons that Oedipus blinded himself and the choices that he made in order to punish himself.
From the Paper
"Oidipous's multiple identities integrated when he struck himself in the eyeballs with a pair of gold-wrought pins. He initiated his own blindness when faced with a dilemma--he couldn't look at his children in the present life and couldn't bear seeing his parents in the afterlife. In an attempt to escape the realities of grief and despair he could have killed himself but instead he chose blindness. This way he could stay alive, not have to see his children, and still evade seeing his parents in the afterlife. In lines 1322-1323 one might interpret that Oidipous experienced a significant milestone by inflicting his own blindness. "But the murderous hand that struck me was no one's but my own..." At this point he comes to the realization that God did not inflict this pain upon him--he struck his own eyes on his own accord. He demonstrates that he is able to confront his misfortunes and be a peace with God; therefore, the two conflicting axes are fate and man's will. Throughout the literature these two axes are directly related--constantly interchanging with one another."
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'Josephine: A Life of the Empress', 2008.
This paper discusses the work 'Josephine: A Life of the Empress' by Carolly Erickson.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer introduces and analyzes the book "Josephine: A Life of the Empress" by Carolly Erickson. Specifically, the paper contains a review and summary of the book. The writer explains that "Josephine" covers the life of de Beauharnais Bonaparte, the Empress of France and wife of Napoleon. She was born Yeyette Tascher in Martinique, and she grew to be one of the most well-known and powerful women on earth. The writer notes that it was not an easy journey, which is one of the things that makes this central character so important and so interesting. How she came to be Empress is almost a fairy tale story, but her fall from grace makes it more of a melodrama and tragic tale of woe. The writer maintains that the author handles both quite well, for the most part.
From the Paper
"Josephine was Empress, but Napoleon never trusted her or loved her completely again. She gave up her lover, but he was still bitter, and he often treated her with cruelty or patronization. He took mistresses, treated her harshly, and criticized her for aging after she turned forty. As Napoleon gained more power, he became more ambitious, more dictatorial, and crueler, certainly to his wife.
"Josephine discovered him with another woman, and he became so furious he struck her and threatened to ban her from his homes. He actually told her that when she was no longer politically suitable for him, he would abandon her, and because she had nowhere else to go, now that she had abandoned her lovers, she stayed on. It was a low point in her life, and in their relationship."
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"That Evening Sun", 2008.
A review of William Faulkner's short story "That Evening Sun".
2,440 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how William Faulkner's "That Evening Sun", is filled with the references to his fictional characters Yoknapatawpha and Jefferson who find themselves appearing in a variety of stories and novels. It examines how the purpose of this particular story's is not to expand upon these characters so much as it is to express a singular purpose - to illustrate, through the example of Nancy and Jubah, the stark destructive reality of what it means to be an oppressed person and the absolute, crippling fear that an inability to control one's life and fate has upon not only the victim, but upon the victimizers as well.
From the Paper
"What Faulkner clearly tells us in this story is that while there is some feeling of continued responsibility on the part of Jason Compson Sr's part for Nancy, that sense is maintained because of their close personal relationship. Nancy has taken care of the Compsons in various ways, and therefore the Compson's owe Nancy at least the minimum of respect and care. Jason Compson Sr. treats Nancy as a person in their relationship, in their discussions. But, he does not take responsibility for her, nor does he find fault in the manner in which she lives. This character, then, demonstrates a very Southern way of viewing race - that blacks live the way they live because that is in the nature of things. While this story touches on these issues - it absolutely acknowledges the fact that there is no immediate remedy, that equality, better housing, health care, opportunities for success are all secondary and even tertiary concerns. For Nancy, Dilsey, and Jubah, survival is paramount. "
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Goodfriend, Joyce D. "Before the Melting Pot": Review, 2008.
A review of Joyce D. Goodfriend's book, "Before the Melting Pot".
983 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Joyce D. Goodfriend's book, "Before the Melting Pot", and explains that the book highlights the fact that the story of American diversity and immigration did not begin in the 19th century but has its roots early on, before America even officially became 'America'. The paper discusses how Goodfriend's book is a potent reminder that America is a nation founded by immigrants and notes that the book pays particular attention to New York's Dutch population. The writer also notes what she believes to be one of the most interesting aspects of the book: Goodfriend's discussion of the importance of African-Americans in the development of the young New York City.
From the Paper
"Goodfriend's analysis is a potent reminder of the fact that America is a nation founded by immigrants. Early New York City was made up of a heterogeneous blend of populations that came to the land's borders for different reasons. New York did not suddenly transform itself into a city divided into little Italy, of Eastern European Jewish and Chinese neighborhoods, rather it began as a blend of ethnicities, and even after the English government came to dominate its political life, the groups that had lived there before the English still kept their cultures alive. New York City had an unusually diverse ethnic makeup, with substantial numbers of Dutch, English, Scottish, Irish, French, German, and Jewish immigrants, as well as African-Americans who came as forced immigrants in the form of slaves."
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"The Yellow Wallpaper", 2008.
This paper analyzes the female protagonist's depression in Charlotte Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper".
1,468 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the mental state of the main female character in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper". The paper first outlines modern principles of mental health in contrast to 19th century medical science that had identified neither the organic nor the environmental causes of clinical depression. The paper then discusses how the protagonist in Charlotte Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" realizes the psychological value of intellectual stimulation. The paper also discusses Gilman's use of dark imagery and metaphor and concludes that this imagery along with her use of an uninformed protagonist with suspicions about her condition highlights the ignorance of 19th century medical views that caused the protagonist's mental decline.
Outline:
Introduction
Psychological Validation and Repression
Depression, Productive Work, and Social Relationships
Use of Dark Imagery and Metaphor
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Modern principles of mental health reflect the view that clinical depression comprises both organic pathology and environmental influences. In the case of the former, medical intervention consists of psychoactive medications such as selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to reverse the biochemical causes of the symptoms associated with clinical depression (Branden, 1998).
"Clinical depression can also result exclusively from environmental factors, without any component of biochemical imbalance. Postpartum depression is unique in that it almost always is a function of environmental factors (in the form of life changes associated with pregnancy and changed body image and role issues) and organic factors (in the form of temporary hormonal changes) in combination."
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Standing Up For What is Right with Silver Rights, 2008.
This paper looks at the story of 'Silver Rights' by Constance Curry.
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the story of 'Silver Rights', the story of Carters of Mississippi, is a story of seemingly unshakable faith and courage. The writer notes that the Carters were sharecroppers, individuals who were virtually one step above slavery, tied to the land in an unfair system where they could never make enough money to own their land and to escape the grip of white land owners. They lived and labored on a cotton plantation, almost like slaves. The writer explains that the state government of Mississippi was controlled by whites, and blacks had little voice or political support within the community. Even poor whites, looking for someone to demonize because of the terrible circumstances of their own condition, looked down upon African-Americans in their midst.
From the Paper
" As a result of their actions, the family was threatened with violence, and their children were harassed in school. They lost their jobs and their homes on the cotton plantation where blacks had worked for generations. The father, Matthew Carter, was denied a job anywhere else, and their home was riddled with gunfire. Even the children were treated like pariahs, as the teachers mocked the young Carters for their appearance, their hygiene, and even rotated seating partners, so that white children would not have to sit next to black children. The book is honest about the emotional trauma and abuse experienced by the children. The Carter children were subject to bullying and intimidation that would result, today, in lawsuits, even if the words wielded by the teacher were not racially charged--which they were. The children had to assume an emotional responsibility far beyond their years, and they knew that no one in authority at the school, not the principal, teachers, or administrators, wanted them there or would protect them. They only had their faith and their family. Even the youngest Carter children enrolled in school, age six, had a sense of what the family was sacrificing, for the children to attend school."
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The Dahlgren Papers, 2008.
This paper studies the book 'The Dahlgren Affair' by Duane Schultz.
1,970 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that 'The Dahlgren Affair' effectively utilizes the themes of history, drama, bloodshed, war, politics and mystery to weave a tale that originated during the Civil War. Schultz's use of high quality characterization and well-paced narrative adds to the value of the book. The writer notes that there are some flaws in the book, and some critics assert that Schultz either fabricated portions of the story, or just made honest errors, and those discrepancies are reviewed in this paper. The writer concludes that it is unlikely there will be definitive proof presented to verify beyond any shadow of a doubt either point of view regarding the Dahlgren papers. But perhaps what is just as important is that by reading books like Shultz's and by studying all accounts of the Civil War, students and scholars will be more informed about U.S. history, and that in itself is a positive thing.
From the Paper
"The genesis of the plot that launches this well-told story is based on an actual attempt to free Union prisoners from the terrible conditions in Libby Prison and Belle Isle prison in Richmond, Virginia. The fact that many Union soldiers had either surrendered or were captured and were being held there - many reportedly near starvation and living in squalor - was eating away at leaders in the North. And so, President Lincoln, who was up for re-election soon and needed to get any positive publicity he could, authorized an attack on Richmond, ostensibly in order to free the prisoners at Libby.
"It was March 2, 1864. But the attack went awry, and in fact when Union Army Colonel Ulric Dahlgren was killed by Confederate soldiers defending Richmond and the prison, papers were found on Dahlgren's body that to this day have historians confused. The controversial nature of the papers has provided historical writer Schultz with a perfect mystery to complement his book."
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"The Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa", 2008.
A review and discussion of "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African", by Olaudah Equiano.
1,632 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and reviews the autobiography entitled, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African,". It describes the storyline and the plot of the book and the discusses the writer's personal reactions to it. The paper then looks at how effective Equiano's narrative was as a from of propaganda to develop opposition to slavery.
Table of Contents:
The Book's Message about the Institution of Slavery and the Slave Trade
Surprising Aspects of Equiano's Account
Effectiveness of Equiano's Narrative as a Form of Propaganda Meant to Develop Opposition to Slavery
Editing Equiano's Account
From the Paper
"More than anything else, the book would have forced those far removed from the procurement of their slaves on a distant continent to face the ugly realities that paid for their source of labor. In the most developed and so-called civilized nations of the Western part of the world, treatment of slaves, while still atrocious by any moral standard, would likely have been much better, on the whole, than on the African continent."
"In retrospect, it is nothing less than astonishing that post-Enlightenment/post-Industrial Revolution men of education and societal distinction would ever have tolerated, much less partaken in the enslavement and life-long exploitation of fellow human beings. The justification most often suggested is that it is difficult, if not entirely unfair altogether, to judge social conventions of earlier times by modern ethical and humanitarian standards."
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"Out of the Silent Planet": Report, 2008.
A book review of C.S.Lewis' novel, "Out of the Silent Planet."
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper is a book review of C.S. Lewis' novel "Out of the Silent Planet" that provides a comprehensive report of the book's plot as well as some background on the author.
From the Paper
"The plot is that after arriving on Malacandra, Ransom escapes from Weston and Devine, runs off into the fantastic countryside, encounters a "hross" named Hyoi and lives in his village, learning the language of the "hrossa." He also learns that there is much gold on the planet and that is one of the reasons why Weston and Devine have gone there. Ransom helps the hrossa hunt a hnakra and is told that he needs to meet with Oyarsa, the "eldil" in charge of the whole planet. He refuses, but after killing the hnakra his friend Hyoi is killed by Weston and Devine and he goes to meet Oyarsa. On the way he meets the dreaded sorn, but the sorn is friendly and takes him to Oyarsa. Oyarsa tells him that Earth is the "silent planet" and wants to know more about it. Ransom is embarrassed that he does not know more than he does about the earth and the humans, who seem very foolish when he describes them to Oyarsa. Meanwhile Oyarsa has captured Weston and Devine and brings them in. Oyarsa tells Ransom he can stay on Malacandra, but Ransom misses the earth and wants to go home. The three are again put on the space ship and sent back to earth (a very difficult journey). When he returns to earth, Ransom remembers he is entrusted with the mission of stopping Weston from doing any more evil."
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The Lost Continent, 2008.
An exploration of the myth of the lost continent, as portrayed in ancient Greek, Mayan and Tamil legends, in the context of modern scientific knowledge.
2,827 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the origins of the lost continent myth in both western and eastern hemispheres. The writer explores the legend of Atlantis, as documented by Plato, the earlier Mayan legend of Mu, and the Tamil legend of Lemuria, all representing lands and civilizations which disappeared under an ocean, and provides an overview of theories that have attempted to account for the existence of such legends. However, none of these theories can be reconciled with the science of plate tectonics. The writer concludes that in the absence of tangible and dateable evidence there is no way to prove or disprove the existence of Atlantis.
From the Paper
"One of the most persistent and pervasive legends about the world involves the concept of the Lost Continent. In these legends, and the name is essentially quite unimportant at this point, an island, part of a peninsula, or other land-mass of varying sizes depending upon the account, once existed above the surface of the ocean. The legends typically say that in ancient history, a civilization of people lived on that land-mass or "continent", they are generally perceived to pre-date written history and, in many accounts, were an "advanced" civilization producing works of art, music, philosophy, science above and beyond their time. At some point a catastrophic natural disaster occurred to the continent reducing it to rubble and either gradually or suddenly, it fell beneath the surface of the water never to be seen or heard from again."
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"Mrs. Dalloway", 2008.
A book review of the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf.
1,098 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces and analyzes the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf. The paper specifically discusses the place of Septimus Warren Smith in the novel, not only in terms of plot but also in terms of his importance to the book's theme. The paper comments that Septimus Smith represents the insane world in this novel, while Clarissa Dalloway represents the "sane" world and all that it represents, from settling for someone without passion, to the details of a highly social lifestyle. The paper notes that Septimus is insane, but he sees the world with a clarity that Mrs. Dalloway does not, and he serves as a commentary on society and morals at the time the novel was written.
From the Paper
"She felt glad that he had done it; thrown it away" (Woolf 186). Ultimately, Woolf shows that while Clarissa and Septimus seem far removed from each other in their lives and outlook, they really could be one in the same. Septimus brings Clarissa some of his own fear of not feeling, and shows that Clarissa has those same feelings inside herself. She is able to surmount them and enjoy life, while Septimus is not. However, inside, they could be twins, and he brings her this knowledge by his "appearance" at her party, which causes her to question and pull apart her own life."
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Tragic Heroes, 2008.
Compares the role of the tragic hero, as seen by the character of Willie Lowman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and that of Oedipus in Sophocles' "Oedipus the King".
1,386 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper compares the roles of the tragic heroes, Willie Lowman, in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", and Oedipus, in "Oedipus the King", by Sophocles. The paper first provides a definition of the tragic hero and explains that the tragic hero and the tragedy also emerge from the particular society that creates it, with the hero being representative of the values of the time. The paper then looks at how many of the elements of the tragic hero and tragedy can be seen in both the character of Oedipus from "Oedipus the King" and in the character of Willy Lowman from "Death of a Salesman".
From the Paper
"Perhaps in the society that formed him, suicide was the only final attempt at nobility that was an option for Willy. In this, he is parallel with Oedipus, also a product of his society. Oedipus believes it would be best not only for himself, but also for his people if he were to step down as king and made a public display of his humiliation and pain. Oedipus however fell much farther than Willy in concrete terms from the beginning to the end of the play. He begins as the ultimate symbol of success for the society of his time. At the end, he is humiliated and all sources of power are removed from him."
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