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"A Midsummer Night's Dream", 2008.
A discussion on various subject themes in the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream " by William Shakespeare.
914 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare. The paper notes that the play weaves together the three subject themes: a reality in Athens, a dream-state in the woods, and the play-within-the play. The paper discusses that it is a tale of three romances, of love triangles, of jealousy and hilarity. The paper also states that Shakespeare's play is therefore structured to ask its readers and viewing audiences to contemplate the meaning of fiction and its impact on human consciousness.
From the Paper
"They share characters and situations. For example, all four of the play's central human characters fall asleep in the woods and enter its dreamlike world. Hermia, Helena, Demetrius and Lysander all appear in the city and in the woods and have equally significant roles in both worlds. Likewise, Bottom and the rest of the craftsmen troop practice "Pyramus and Thisbe" in the woods but perform it to the king and queen-to-be in Athens. The woods therefore serves as the place in which dreams are created, crafted, and nurtured. Those dreams then impact the daily lives of those living in the concrete world of the city, just as Shakespeare's play impacts the daily lives of those who read and watch them."
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"Othello", 2008.
A discussion on Iago's soliloquies in "Othello" by William Shakespeare in Act I.3.375-396.
1,151 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper states that throughout the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare, the only character to speak to the audience directly and intimately, is the character of Iago. He speaks to the audience and discloses his true motivations for his treacherous actions in the world of the play. The paper comments that Shakespeare uses this literary device specifically to show the audience the true colors of Iago. In the last passage of Act 1, Act 1.3.375-396, Iago's soliloquy is a glance at his manipulative psyche, where he believes himself to be the master of the other characters. His excessive pride and deception later result in the tragic end of the play. The paper notes that the audience develops a strange, but special, relationship with Iago through his manic ridden soliloquies. In the end, however, Shakespeare chooses to end Iago's term as master of the play and reclaims his position as playwright from the arrogant Iago.
From the Paper
"He uses his role as confidant to the other characters to manipulate them into believing he has their best interest in mind, when really he plays them pawns against each other for his own goals. Iago shows the audience his dislike for Roderigo, which therefore allows the audience special access into the real world of Cypress where Iago pulls the strings, and not Othello. This passage also shows the depth of Iago's deception. As seen when he discusses Othello later in his soliloquy, Iago takes great pains to make himself the innocent confidant, when his true purpose is to destroy those who trust in him."
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Songs versus Sonnets, 2008.
Compares songs and sonnets using examples from William Shakespeare and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
1,525 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that both the poetic forms of songs and sonnets are common ways that individuals throughout the ages have expressed their thoughts and feelings, quite often but not exclusively about romantic love. While songs often have some form, such as a refrain, a repeating phrase or a melody, sonnets must adhere to a very specific structure. The author presents the history and construction of songs and sonnets. The paper relates that the fact that a song occurs during a play means that the audience likely wants to listen to something actively rather than take time to meditate on a few lines' meaning as they would for a sonnet.
From the Paper
"In the second rhymed stanza, the poet thinks about how the sun shines too hot, dimming the gold complexion of the beloved. He is worried that chance or simply time can rob even a beloved of physical beauty. This is not merely a celebration of love, because the lover understands with foresight the transience of all love, all mortal existence, and realizes that earthly love is not for 'all time,' even though many songs celebrate the sensation that love will last forever. It is also abstract--the poet is not afraid simply that the beloved will leave him, but the fact that everything mortal fades and dies."
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The Supernatural in the Works of Shakespeare, 2008.
A discussion on the role of the supernatural in "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare.
1,320 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper states that the role of the supernatural in Elizabethan drama cannot be underestimated or overlooked. It was a critical part of the plot as we see in Shakespeare's work, as in those days the supernatural was an acceptable phenomenon. The paper comments that for this reason, it would be wrong to assume that Shakespeare made an effort to incorporate supernatural forces in his plays. They just had to be part of his writings because they were so widely believed in. The paper highlights that the role of supernatural forces in "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" is to exploit the weaknesses of the main characters. They serve as catalysts to the plot and carry the story forward but on the whole they are neither immensely powerful nor dangerous. The paper concludes that their impact is evil as their presence spells doom and destruction. They simply play with character's weaknesses and that leads to destruction by default.
From the Paper
"Macbeth's supernatural friends have an equally devastating effect on the main character's life. The three witches, though limited in their powers, caused major crisis when they foretell Macbeth's future. Here it must be made clear that just like Hamlet's father, the three witches did not want anything evil. They foretold the future because they saw something good for Macbeth. It was Macbeth who destroyed everything in his haste to see the future sooner than it was meant to unfold. Everything has a time at which it unfolds and Macbeth failed to exhibit the required amount of patience. Instead he simply allowed himself to be led astray in his ambition to become the next king."
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Hamlet and Purgatory, 2008.
A discussion of a new historicist's view of the significance of Purgatory in Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet".
1,182 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Stephen Greenblatt's argument in his work "Hamlet in Purgatory" that in order to understand "Hamlet" a reader must understand the Catholic concept of Purgatory, and what it meant for the recently Protestant nation of England to have to collectively give up this religious notion. The paper relates that just as Hamlet is a character of contradictions, of false starts and indecision, the play "Hamlet" mirrors the religious climate and contradictions of Shakespeare's own day.
From the Paper
"In accepting Protestantism, the ordinary English people were forced to eschew many of their traditional ways of mourning the dead, and their belief in Purgatory, which entailed a responsibility of the living to help the dead escape from Purgatory through prayer and buying indulgences from the Roman Catholic Church. This shift in practice and attitudes did not occur as a popular movement, but from the top down, as the former 'Defender of the Faith' Henry VIII rejected Catholicism because he was unable to obtain an annulment from his first wife."
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Humanities, 2008.
A discussion on transposing the environment of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" to the atmosphere and setting to the 1930s depression-era of "Bonnie and Clyde."
997 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper compares the era of "Romeo and Juliet" with the times of "Bonnie and Clyde". The paper, by comparing the two works, speaks of the bloody environment in the times of Romeo and Juliet and the desperate economic circumstances during the 'Bonnie and Clyde' era in American history. The paper continues with a discussion on the similarities between these two time periods, noting the similar themes of "romantic outlaws", "passionate lovers", an emphasis on youth, and the anger at society. The paper concludes that the tales of both lovers show how, in a society that seems to have no future, desperate young people seeking validation and autonomy, resort to desperate measures.
From the Paper
"Although Shakespearean love may be beautiful, especially love forged out of passion and the laws of a society that denies the freedoms of the young, it is not the society of Renaissance Italy that is beautiful and romantic. The fact that love can exist even in an atmosphere that a modern audience can identify as hopeless, crime-ridden, and decadent like Depression-era America will underline the most important aspect of Shakespeare's play, elements that might remain hidden in a production set in the Renaissance. Adult society and the laws of the land are corrupt in "Romeo and Juliet," likewise America ignores the suffering and despair of Americans living in the dustbowl during the Depression. Bonnie and Clyde rob banks, but during that era before banking reform many Americans lost their money in the stock market, or in bank runs, thus showing a lack of regard for the laws was something that was endemic to society and government, not just the outlaws."
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Gender in "Twelfth Night", 2008.
This paper explores Shakespeare's gender constructions and cross-dressing in the play "Twelfth Night".
2,016 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper explores Shakespeare's gender disguise that distorted female identity and investigates early modern constructions of gender as distinct from sexual difference. The paper examines the play "Twelfth Night" in order to show how it was Shakespeare's intention to challenge gender taboos of the Elizabethan age.
From the Paper
"Considered by critics as Shakespeare's best achievement in the comic genre, the play Twelfth Night or, What You Will affords an elaborate exploration of love and power relationships, gender roles and taboos. Identity poses highly confounding problems, as there are numerous layers to the characters' gender roles and their maze-like relationships and (homo) erotic affinities. Through a range of female characters and the implications of (wo)man disguises, Shakespeare exposes gender issues. Several heroines of the comedies appear in disguise on the Renaissance stage, which represents the cultural context of the play."
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"The Merchant of Venice", 2008.
A study of the message conveyed in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", through the portrayal of the characters.
2,300 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare which depicts characters who are not as obviously evil or heroic as originally thought. The paper illustrates that the play simply raises the question of stereotypes and of the audience's prejudices toward a race of people, in order to examine it in their own minds. There is no answer to the question of whether Shylock was good or evil. Critics who have placed the blame either squarely on Shylock for being evil or who have taken the opposite tact, have missed the point. The paper concludes that the point of the play is not to display Jewish villainy, but to show humanity, to examine pity, to find the meaning of mercy and to dread the consequences of revenge.
From the Paper
"It is here, in The Merchant of Venice, the Jewish Shylock makes a case against slave ownership. He reaches the trial, an opportune time in the play where one might be able to make a point and make a point Shylock certainly does. Even though it has been argued that Shakespeare was anti-Semitic, in actuality, The Merchant of Venice shows that he is not insensitive to the Jewish plight and in fact is more anti-slavery than anything else. Even though the hero, Antonio, his friend, Bassanio and the duke triy to save the day, all are against him, Shylock does not waver, but continues with his request for a pound of flesh, as he says, concerning slaves, "Let them be free, marry them to your heirs /Why sweat they under burdens?.. . . You will answer 'The slaves are ours.' So do I answer you." A young judge is sent, when Bellario cannot come to be judge because he is ill. Balthasar decides in Antonio's favor, speaking through Portia, who in this play is shown not only to be assertive, but wise."
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Throne of Death, 2008.
This paper studies Akira Kurosawa's film 'Throne of Blood', focusing on the theme of symbolism.
1,349 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Akira Kurosawa's 'Throne of Blood' is more than just an adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The film is a visual feast with riddled rich symbolism. The writer maintains that it is that symbolism that makes 'Throne of Blood' so memorable. The writer notes that 'Throne of Blood' has a somewhat misogynistic tone that portrays females as socially subservient and spiritually evil. Crescent moon symbols combined with frequent intrusions from the natural world imbue 'Throne of Blood' with pagan symbolism and supernatural elements. The writer maintains that Kurosawa succeeds in solidifying this eerie atmosphere by transforming one of Shakespeare's most disturbing tragedies into high cinema.
From the Paper
"Filming in black and white also suggests the moral choices between good and evil. Washizu seems incapable of distinguishing between good and evil, symbolized by the mist that clouds his vision at several points in the film. He had once remained loyal to his best friend and to his Lord. Until Asaji poisons his mind and suggests that Miki is plotting against him, Washizu's moral choices are sound. Later his choices are clouded by delusional thoughts and the central character descends into a spiral of murder, madness, and mayhem. Ironically, the witch and Asaji are both shrouded in white, which is usually a color symbolizing purity and goodness. Asaji is the most directly evil character in Throne of Blood. Her white face and clothing do not symbolize purity as much as they signify the thematic connection between her character and the witch. The witch appears bathed in white light, which emphasizes her otherworldliness. Neither good nor evil, the witch simply tells Washizu what she sees. It is Asaji who tells Washizu how he should act. Both the witch and Asaji influence Washizu and sway him from one moral pole to the other."
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Moby Dick and Julius Caesar, 2008.
A discussion on the main players in "Moby Dick" by Herman Mellville and "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare.
874 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the similarities of two literary characters. More specifically, the paper compares and contrasts the character of Ahab from Herman Mellville's "Moby Dick" with the character of Julius Caesar from Shakespeare's famous story of the same name. The paper concludes that like "Moby Dick", "Julius Caesar" is a historical incident which Shakespeare puts meaning into in retrospect, imbuing the characters with traits which we admire or hate and placing around them others who seemingly act only in accordance with fate.
Outline:
Ways in which Ahab and Julius are similar
Ways in which Ahab and Julius Caesar are different
From the Paper
"Caesar is hard to like. Ahab is also hard to like, but he appears more sympathetic as he is so dogged in his quest of the white whale. Ahab is shown to be a brooding and dark character that we sometimes see in literature, ambiguously evil, yet we sympathize with his madness. He sacrifices everything, including his life and his crew to capture Moby Dick, whom he has sought for so long: "Now it was that there lurked a something in the old man's eyes, which it was hardly sufferable for feeble souls to see. As the unsetting polar star, which through the livelong, arctic, six months' night sustains its piercing, steady, central gaze; so Ahab's purpose now fixedly gleamed down upon the constant midnight of the gloomy crew." (Melville, Chapter 130).
"The book Moby Dick is about a quest and a challenge to the universe in which Ahab lives. He will fight it to the death because he believes he can conquer it. He does not know that no matter how big he may be, it is bigger than he, but he will die in the attempt. "He piled upon the whale's white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whole race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his hot heart's shell upon it." (Melville, Chapter 135). Like Moby Dick, Julius Caesar is a historical incident which Shakespeare puts meaning into in retrospect, imbuing the characters with traits which we admire or hate and placing around them others who seemingly act only in accordance with fate."
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Revenge in Drama, 2008.
Compares the theme of revenge in Henrik Ibsen's "The Wild Duck", William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Aeschylus' "The Oresteia".
1,325 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper states that revenge makes for some of the best stories ever written and suggests that "The Wild Duck" by Henrik Ibsen is one of the best revenge tales ever told. The paper maintains that the theme of revenge in "The Wild Duck" is far stronger than that in "Hamlet", which is more similar to "The Oresteia". The paper relates the plots of each of these stories and argues that, in "Hamlet" and "The Oresteia", the characters are motivated by the death of someone they love. Thus, their revenge is more justified than Gregers' motivation in "The Wild Duck" because they are avenging the death of a loved one.
From the Paper
"Gregers' first plan of action is confronting his father about his past. He argues with him about his mother and tells his father that it was the "suffering and humiliation she had to undergo, till at last it broke her down and drove her to such a miserable end." It is clear from their conversation that nothing is going to be resolved. What we do learn from this conversation is Gregers inability to forgive or forget his father. That is not to say that Werle asked for forgiveness or deserved it even but the fact that Werle is not remorseful at all does not make things between the two men any better."
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Shakespeare's Sonnets 30 and 62, 2008.
An analysis of the theme of self-knowledge in William Shakespeare's Sonnets 30 and 62.
760 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines William Shakespeare's Sonnets 30 and 62. The paper maintains that, in each of these sonnets, the poet must look outside himself to find virtue, truth, and love. This act of realization brings self-knowledge to the poet. The paper argues that, by the end of each sonnet, the poet is aware of what is important as opposed to what he once believed to be important. It concludes that each sonnet shows us how we can find virtue, truth, and love if we choose to be open to what the universe brings to us.
From the Paper
"In both sonnets, the poet is reflective. Sonnet 30 begins with a somber mood as the poet looks back over his life and friends. It is important to note that the poem ends on a more positive note as the poet looks to what he has in the present. This sonnet expresses a sense of self-reflection as the poet weighs what is important with what is not important. In addition, we see how the poet brings virtue to things in the present, namely friendship, and does not allow himself to stay lost in the memories of the past for too long. We see the significance of friendship in this poem as the mere thought of a friend can erase all of the woe associated with a dim past. The poet sees virtue in the things that are important now as opposed to what was then. In Sonnet 62, we see reflection that begins with the poet's own attributes. The poet is very aware of his vanity, noting that it is a "sin of self-love" (Sonnet 62 1) that possesses "all mine eye,/And all my soul, and all my every part" (1-2). While this seems arrogant, there is a level of self-knowledge in this poem because the poet realizes it is a sin "grounded inward in my heart"". (4)
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