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Sophocles' Theban Plays, 2008.
This paper discusses the merits of reading Sophocles' Theban play cycle, "Oedipus the King", "Oedipus at Colonus" and "Antigone" in chronological order.
1,323 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that reading the three plays "Oedipus the King", "Oedipus at Colonus" and "Antigone" in chronological order gives us more insight into Sophocles' narrative skill. The paper explains that one is able to fully savor the strange fusion of character and destiny that Sophocles manages to pull off as a playwright and storyteller. The paper argues further that although the play cycle has occasional lapses in chronology and internal inconsistencies, the plays also show us how certain characters, in particular, Creon, are able to radically transform themselves over time.
From the Paper
"Sophocles composed the Theban plays during a thirty-six year span. The three plays were actually not composed in chronological order; Antigone was penned first, followed by Oedipus the King, and finally, Oedipus at Colonus, shortly before Sophocles's death. As such, the three plays are rife with inconsistencies that come out when one reads them closely in chronological (i.e. sequential) order. Most notably, at the end of Oedipus the King, Creon has emerged as the undisputed King. He decides to expel Oedipus from Thebes after consulting with Apollo. Creon is then asked to look after Antigone and Ismene, the two daughters of Oedipus, which he agrees to do. In the subsequent plays, however, the two daughters are found wandering about on their own, either having fled with Oedipus or actively campaigning against Creon, who is supposed to be looking after them."
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Djuna Barnes' "Nightwood", 2008.
Looks at the symbolic function of homosexuality in Djuna Barnes' "Nightwood".
1,315 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Djuna Barnes's classic novel "Nightwood" was one of the few great modernist works to address the subject of homosexuality in such an explicit light. The novel deals with the tumultuous relationship of Nora and Robin, a pair of lesbians, and their circle of friends, most notably Matthew, a gay doctor. The author selects a few passages to examine the symbolic role that homosexuality plays throughout the novel particularly within the symbolic polarity of "night" versus "day". The paper explores the connection articulated by Barnes between homosexuality and death and attempts to unravel the complex implications of such an association.
From the Paper
"The third chapter, "Watchman, What of the Night?" explores this notion of homosexuals as "night people" in great detail. Shortly after Robin has left Nora, Nora shows up at Matthew's house one night around three in the morning in order to discuss her loss. While arriving unexpectedly on someone's doorstep at such a late hour would be considered highly unusual from a "normal" perspective, it seems perfectly natural within the discourse of the "night people" that Barnes has set up in her work. In lieu of consolation, Matthew offers Nora a prolonged discourse on the nature of homosexuality."
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The Works of Maria Edgeworth, 2008.
A comprehensive analysis of the style of Irish writer Maria Edgeworth in "The Castle Rackrent", "The Absentee", "Ormond" and "Helen".
10,366 words (approx. 41.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 207.95
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Abstract
The paper relates the background of the eighteenth and nineteenth century Irish writer, Maria Edgeworth. The paper focuses on the author's works, "The Castle Rackrent", "The Absentee", "Ormond" and "Helen" and shows how her novels follow the themes of Irish identity and national character and the moral development of the individual in the social context. The paper provides an in-depth look at Edgeworth's style and techniques and concludes that Edgeworth manages to be engaging despite her didacticism and she also succeeds in using all her fictional instruments and devices with the best results. The paper adds that Edgeworth's novels all treat similar issues but they are nevertheless very different, each time revealing a new aspect of her style.
From the Paper
"Of Anglo-Irish descent, Edgeworth was born in 1768 in Oxfordshire, where she spent most of her early childhood. Her father, Richard Lovell Edgeworth is certainly one of the most important figures in her background, as he had an overwhelming influence on her education and her writing. Her mother, Anna Maria Elers, died when Maria was only six years old, leaving thus even more room for the father figure in the child's life. Soon after, Richard Edgeworth remarried and Honora Sneyd became Maria's first stepmother. The growing family moved to Ireland, and Maria was sent to school in England. When she was twelve years old, her stepmother became ill and died and her father married Elizabeth Sneyd, his second wife's sister, as the latter had actually advised him to do in advance."
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"The River Between" and "Nectar in a Sieve", 2008.
A review of "The River Between" by Ngugi wa Thion'o's and "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya.
1,408 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, in the novels "The River Between" and "Nectar in a Sieve", the characters are doing things that have application to people and cultures everywhere else on the planet. The paper describes the culture clash between the people of Makuyu and Kameno in "The River Between" and conveys the hopelessness of the terrible grinding poverty in "Nectar in a Sieve".
From the Paper
"What a reader finds immediately profound and dramatic about The River Between is the symbolism of the two mountains (ridges) laying "side by side" with a river running between. In the story, the two cultures are dead set against one another, with opposing religious beliefs and values. The culture living on the Makuyu ridge subscribes to the Christian beliefs, having been affected and greatly influenced by the British colonial indoctrination; but the tribe living on the Kameno ridge - where the story's protagonist, Waiyaki lives, wants to continue the old cultural traditions (like polytheism and circumcision). In fact Waiyaki is anxious for his circumcision to happen, notwithstanding the hideous feelings a reader gets as the author describes what it is like to be circumcised."
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"The Brothers", 2008.
An analysis of the brotherhood, separation and reconciliation in Bjornstjerne Bjornson's "The Brothers".
702 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper describes Bjornson's "The Brothers", the touching story of Baard and Anders, two brothers who fight and are reconciled eventually after much suffering and distress. The paper shows how Bjornson drafts a remarkable analysis of the subtleties of the human heart and the fragility of human bonds.
From the Paper
"Bjornson's choice of two brothers as his main characters in this story is significant because it is an example of one the most profound relationships between two people. Baard and Anders were very close all their lives, and loved each other deeply as two brothers should. Nevertheless, when, after their father's death, they intend to sell his goods at an auction, they find that they both want the same thing: a golden watch. The bidding is an important moment because it shows how this small event divides the two for a very long time. Their beautiful relationship is destroyed during the bidding, when each of them considers that the other should give the watch up in favor of the other."
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Dr. Seuss, 2008.
This paper discusses the impact of the illustrations in Dr. Seuss books on the reader.
752 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the illustrations within Dr. Seuss books, which have been an essential part of American children's literature for ages. The author of this paper asserts that the artwork within Dr. Suess books tells its own story, emphasizing the story being told, embellishing it and taking the story to another level. Specifically, the author asserts that it is the exacting style of the drawings that urge the reader to look back and forth between the picture and the story, making full use of the mind and the imagination therein. This paper assesses the use of shape, color and contrasts in particular.
From the Paper
"On the pages 'Eat at Skipper Zipp's' the ship with three different colored flags and a strange color smoke rising above it is accessible by walking on a bright orange pier. It's an eye-opening, stark scene but some planks are missing (which are made obvious by the contrasting blue water) and the whales approaching are a shade of blue close to the color of the ocean, which gives a realistic sense of how much marine mammals look like their environment. The pages 'West Beast East Beast' feature beasts that are green with purple hair and purple tails. The lines that make up the tails resemble the weird-looking orange plants on the yellow island. The texture of the "island" looks nearly the same as butter on a previous page."
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Realism in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 2008.
This paper discusses the theme of realism in Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".
745 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," is a realistic novel that reveals how a young boy's morals and actions are at odds with those of the society around him. This paper analyzes themes relating to the main character Huckleberry Finn, along with Jim, a black man and a slave of Miss Watson, who encounters Huck in the wilderness and agrees to travel with him down the Mississippi. Leaving the unadventurous clutches of his home, where he was held prisoner by father, Huck chooses to flee society and return to the natural world, where he feels at home and comfortable. Jim, however, is trained by society and, even though he believes he deserves freedom, he also considers himself inferior to whites. The author of this paper demonstrates the themes of morality, such as that of struggling with the notion of slavery, along with themes of friendship and freedom.
From the Paper
"Huck's morals and actions are at odds with the society that surrounds him. This is clear when we see how Huck struggles with the notion of slavery. Huck's limited education allows him to understand how cruel slavery actually was. If he had been more educated and simply accepted what others tried to teach him, maybe he would not have been so open to his true feelings. However, Huck is blessed in that he has not allowed himself to be influenced by the morals others try to impose on him or what society deems right and wrong. Huck comes to realize that he cannot tell anyone that Jim has run away and tells him, "People would call me a low down abolitionist and despise me for keeping mum--but that don't make no difference. I ain't agoing to tell" (Twain 269). We also see Huck's inner struggle when he cannot bring himself to provide Miss Watson with the letter he that explains everything. Huck knows he cannot send the letter because he "couldn't seem to strike no places to harden me against him" (381). In an act of defiance, he tears up the letter even if it means going to hell. Huck knows that regardless of what society preached, he had a friend in Jim and that friendship was real and more important than any social code. Huck knew the difference between what was "right" in his heart and what was "right" according to social conduct."
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Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, 2008.
A review of the book "Why We Can't Wait" by Martin Luther King, Jr.
852 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the book "Why We Can't Wait" by Martin Luther King, Jr. which describes the 1963 struggle for civil rights that climaxed with legislation that ended segregation in the United States. The paper looks at how this book is written in graphic terms, in language that is intended to move people. The paper also points out that the chapters in the book are, in essence, written sermons. The paper then explains why "Why We Can't Wait" is an important document concerning this period of segregation and oppression of black people in America.
From the Paper
"In the opening chapter, Dr. King addresses the question, "Why 1963?" and summarizes the many events that brought the emotional crisis which black people had endured to a head. Segregationists were proving the depth of their intransigence. Africa was moving to full independence, yet in much of America neither African diplomats to the United States nor United States Marines were accorded basic human decency. To combat this situation, Dr. King had studied and been profoundly influenced by the doctrine of non-violence, which he discusses in his second chapter, "The Sword That Heals.""
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African-American Identity, 2008.
This paper explores African-American self-definition and development.
999 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the need for a communal African-American identity, with a commitment to acknowledging racism and combating it. The paper looks at the works of Chinua Achebe, Kwame Gyekye and Aime Cesaire who, from different viewpoints, each make a strong call for African-Americans to form a community or family that remembers and reclaims its cultural legacy. The paper explains that claiming membership in a global community of Africans is a way of building a well-grounded and powerful identity that can heal and liberate.
From the Paper
"The question of the self-identity of African Americans is a complex one. On the one hand, their identity is clear - they are Americans, with all of the challenges and responsibilities that go with this identity in 2007. On the other hand, however, they have a broader identity: their African identity. To some extent, this is true of most Americans - for example, there are many Americans of Irish descent. However, there are two important differences. One of them is that African Americans comprise a visible minority, merely by being clearly and visibly African. The second is that unlike Irish people, millions of Africans today still live in extremely difficult circumstances. Moreover, as famous Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe claims, this is arguably part of the legacy of racism."
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"The Time Machine" and Socialism, 2008.
A reflection on H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" and its ideas about socialism.
1,040 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" is more interesting for its social and intellectual commentary than the idea of time travel in science fiction. The paper describes the Eloi, the peaceful, degenerate people of the future England and shows how Wells conveys his objections to the main ideas of socialism and Utopianism. The paper also explains Wells' belief that instead of creating that perfect society without class conflicts, it is better to work to correct the injustices of capitalism and the large gaps between classes.
Outline:
Introduction
The Block Theory and Time
Wells's Rejection of Utopian Ideas
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) remains famous for his great novella, The Time Machine, often mentioned as an important work of science fiction for how it inspired other efforts of science fiction. People may remember this novella for its idea of time travel that Wells was the first to employ in fiction, a story appearing in serial form in New Review in 1894 and 1895, then published in book form by Heinemann in London in 1895. However, The Time Machine seems more important for its indication of what Wells saw in several ideas of his day, beyond matters of science fiction and the Block theory of the universe on which the idea of traveling forwards in time implies. If studying a little of the late 19th century in Britain and the ideals debated by the educated classes, one reads The Time Machine with an appreciation of much that the author believed was incorrect about then important ideas of socialism."
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Loyalty in "Beowulf", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of loyalty and faithfulness in the epic poem "Beowulf".
947 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper details how Beowulf's followers follow him when his strength is at its peak, but desert him when he is confronted with his deadliest test. The paper explains that Beowulf's loyalty to others is fueled by a profound sense of honor while his warriors, lacking his courage and sense of honor, are weak-willed and turn away from him when he needs them most. The paper shows how this poem is a testament to the extraordinary faith of Beowulf in others and in the warrior's code.
From the Paper
"While Beowulf must endure faithlessness on the part of some of his men, this lack of constancy is not immediately apparent in the text. For instance, on the first night in the castle of Hrothgar, Beowulf lies surrounded by his sturdy retinue of Geat soldiers: "The Geats' great chief/dropped/His head to his pillow/and around him, as ready as they could be, lay the soldiers who had crossed /the sea/At his side, each of them sure that he was lost/to the home he loved" (688-692). These are men prepared to die with their leader, if the fates willed it, and loyalty is surely not an issue for any of them."
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A Timeline of "A Separate Peace", 2008.
This paper presents a timeline of twelve major events that comprise the core of John Knowles,' book "A Separate Peace."
1,285 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper outlines twelve major events in chronological order in John Knowles' book, "A Separate Peace", and explores their significance. The paper highlights the ideas of coming-of-age as an adult, personal transformations and about friends finding fulfillment through each other. The paper shows how the story is about being forced to confront painful realities; war, human frailty and the loss of innocence being chief among them.
Outline:
First Major Event: The Return to Devon
Second Event: Climbing up the Tree (the Second Climb)
Third Event: Finny's Confession of Friendship and Gene's Hesitation
Fourth Event: Gene Flunks the Trigonometry Test
Fifth Event: Finny's Fall
Sixth Event: The Visit in the Infirmary and the Failed Confession
Seventh Event: The Confession at Finny's Home in Boston
Eighth Event: Gene's Decision to Enlist - and how It Is Interrupted by Finny's Return
Ninth Event: Gene Decides to Become an Olympic Athlete
Tenth Event: the Fight with Leper at Leper's Home in Vermont
Eleventh Event: the Tribunal
Twelfth Event: Finny's Death
From the Paper
"In chapter one, the narrator of the story returns to the elite Devon school campus in New Hampshire 15 years after graduation. Upon his return, the narrator is re-introduced to the fear he felt at the time (he was a student during the height of the Second World War) and he is prompted to recollect the summer of 1942 when his room-mate, Phineas or "Finny," persuaded him to jump off the branch of a tree found on the Devon campus; the tree, as it turns out, is located right beside a river and it is into the river that one must jump. Ultimately, the act of jumping into the river, and the wrestling that Finny and the narrator do afterwards, causes them to miss dinner that evening."
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