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Branagh?s "Much Ado About Nothing", 2002.
Looking at Kenneth Branagh's version of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" and how it differs from the original play.
1,425 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper examines in how the film version, director Kenneth Branagh takes viewers into a far different Messina than what is generally interpreted from the play's text. From the costumes to the background settings, from the addition of scenes to the emphasis on certain characters, Branagh reserves his right to interpret ?Much Ado About Nothing? as he sees fit. This paper sorts through these differences and outlines and details the logic and reasoning behind Branagh?s actions.
From the Paper
"Film direction and production of plays allows the viewer to see with their own eyes the relationships between characters, the focus of the themes, and the other aspects of plays such as costumes, the representations of the players, and so forth. In other words,the viewers are given the opportunity to let their imagination and curiosity come to fruition. When I read a play I try to visualize what I am reading and really explore my imagination to see the action as it is occurring in my mind. Often times however, my imagination is shattered somewhat when I see the film production. Such is the case with Branagh?s ?Much Ado About Nothing?. "
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"Much Ado About Nothing", 2002.
Looking at gender roles and conflicts in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing."
715 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the community in "Much Ado About Nothing" proves to be a microcosm of the way men looked upon women in Shakespeare?s era. The gender conflict in this play is strongly present throughout, controlling much of the action and the dialogue. This paper discusses in particular the relationship of Claudio and Benedict.
From the Paper
"In Shakespeare?s ?Much Ado About Nothing?, the community proves to be a microcosm of the way men looked upon women in Shakespeare?s era. The gender conflict in this play is strongly present throughout, controlling much of the action and the dialogue. It seems to me that the center point of conversation among the men of Messina was nine times out of ten about the inferiority of women and the superiority of men. When Berger names the women of Messina as spoils of war and commodities, he is hitting the nail on the head. Hero, for example, has lived a wholesome and impeccable life but when she stands accused of adultery, the men need no trial or investigation. The men of Messina made up their minds in about a half of a second about the guilt of a young lady who was looked upon highly in the community. Hero?s father Leonato wasted no time either in chastising and defaming his only daughter."
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Iago of ?Othello?, 2002.
A character analysis of Iago from William Shakespeare's "Othello".
839 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
"Othello" is one of the four great tragedies written during Shakespeare?s period of despair when the bard seemed to be concerned with the struggle of good over evil. The paper shows that Iago, the villain in "Othello", is perhaps the most sadistic and consummately evil character in all English literature and his eventual downfall illustrates the triumph of love over hate, a key theme in many of Shakespeare?s plays. The paper traces the play act by act in order to analyze the character of Iago.
From the Paper
"In Act Two, Iago?s villainous nature is increased when Cassio, Othello?s chief of staff, is seen by Iago holding the hand of Desdemona which sets into motion another scheme highlighted by the line ?With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio? (2.1.163). Like Roderigo, Cassio submits to Iago?s every whim while under the assumption that Iago is only attempting to assist him; but in reality, it is Cassio?s downfall that attracts Iago. In addition, since Iago is a very intelligent man, he quickly realizes the advantages that come with trust which he considers as a means to further his goals. As a symbol of his true arrogance, Iago says of himself ?I am an honest man? (2.3.245) which is quickly deemed to be a false statement when he has Cassio terminated as Othello?s chief of staff."
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?Othello?, 2002.
A critical analysis of Act III Scene III of William Shakespeare's "Othello".
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that while the theme of appearance versus reality runs rampant throughout the play of "Othello" as perceptions become reality and imaginary thoughts take form, it is Act 3 Scene 3 of the play that captures this theme in essence. It discusses how the scene is an ideal representation of the manipulation of Iago and presents how he twists words and facts and creates a second reality for Othello that ultimately results in tragedy.
From the Paper
"These words create a bond of trust towards Iago and reveal that Othello is unaware of Iagos deceit. Othello is honest himself and thus considers most people around him to be the same. His naivety and inability to perceive deceit when he sees it shows his lack of understanding of human nature and thus, makes him an easy person to manipulate.
It is in these words that Iago tries to show Othello the truth, as if mocking him for his nearsightedness and trust in people, ?Men should be what they seem; Or those that be not, would they might seem none!? (3.3.128)""
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The Warrior Hero: A Stranger in a Strange Land, 2002.
A look at the theme of alienation among heroes in several works of literature.
2,387 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
The figure of the hero is set apart from the common herd of ordinary men by virtue of his special qualities and abilities. In some works, this separateness is literal ? he is in a strange land apart from his own kin. To see how this alienation enhances the tale of the hero?s conflict, this paper examines the works "The Odyssey" (Homer), "Beowulf" (author unknown) and "The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice" (William Shakespeare).
From the Paper
"However, when they must rely on or cast their lot with other (lesser) humans, tragedy results. Odysseus nearly fails in the journey and his men are taken from him, when they unwisely slaughter Helios?s livestock: ?They lost their own lives because of their recklessness, the fools?, (Odyssey, Book I, lines 7-8, page 3) and nearly Odysseus?s life too. Similarly, when Beowulf fights with the dragon, his cowardly men run away, and the aged chieftain is killed, although he first kills the dragon. ?Too few supporters flocked to our prince when affliction came,? says Wiglaf. (Beowulf, lines 2882-2883, page 142) Poor Othello unwisely allows Iago to impose on him, and ultimately kills the innocent Desdemona and himself. Thus, the warrior hero survives and prospers only so long as he remains solitary."
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Women in Shakespeare?s Times, 2002.
An analysis of the character Kate, in William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" and a reflection of the role of women in society.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that despite the fact that a woman ruled England in the time that William Shakespeare lived, the place of women in renaissance society was limited to specific rules and limitations, guided by lessons of virtue and demure conduct. By examining Kate in Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", the paper discusses how she represents the way women of her temperament would be treated in Shakespeare's era - she would be broken of her waggish ways and learn decorum, humility and essentially her lowly place.
From the Paper
"While people today are allowed a greater range of acceptable personality traits in Shakespeare's time, there were greater limits place on how one manifested him or herself in the world; however the restraints placed on people doesn't mean that different personality types didn't emerge. As we know from modern psychology, personality is developed as a way to meet ones needs and despite how society might wish to limit expressions of those needs, personalities will develop independent of our best effort to control them. Women in seventeenth century England were not all of one mind or of one action. And that showed throughout Shakespeare's work."
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?Much Ado About Nothing?, 2002.
This paper is a review of the Pittsburgh Public Theater's performance of Shakespeare's comedy, "Much Ado About Nothing".
760 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This essay is a critical review of the Pittsburgh Public Theater's performance of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". Many of the positive aspects are highlighted, such as the liveliness and fun of the ensemble and the lighting, atmosphere, music and dancing. At the same time the flaws of the play are also mentioned such as the relationship between Beatrice and Benedick.
From the Paper
"?Much Ado About Nothing? performed at the Pittsburgh Public Theater was a lively and entertaining performance of Shakespeare?s play with this the main feature that stood out. Overall, all the aspects of the play worked together to make this a fun version. The one flaw that was apparent occurred in the relationship between Beatrice and Benedick, the pair never seeming to have enough chemistry together to pull off their relationship of trading insults."
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Shakespeare's "Henry IV" an "Twelfth Night"., 2002.
This paper explores Shakespeare's notion of romantic love, as illustrated by two of his plays.
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper shows how Shakespeare links romantic love with power, greed and politics. It starts with an analysis of ?Twelfth Night?, discussing how the entire plot focuses on the love interests of the characters. It looks at Shakespeare?s suggestion that love - only if politically feasible ? is permitted. It looks at the character of Viola and the power issues raised by the fact that she is disguised as a man. The economic compatibility in the final twist of the plot is explored, as are Sebastian?s unromantic motivations for marriage. The paper concludes by looking briefly at the theme of love motivated by politics in ?Henry V?.
From the Paper
"Ah love. It appears to be a rather simple emotion ? at first glance. You find someone you are attracted to physically, then the attraction grows into affection, and the affection grows into love. The two of you marry, and live happily ever after. Right? It would seem that dear Shakespeare couldn?t quite grasp the simpler aspects of love, and marriage, for most of his plays dealing with love are littered with unromantic things like politics, and economic gain. One obvious play is ?Twelfth Night?, and one less obvious play is ?Henry V?; however both show Shakespeare?s tendency to link romantic love with less romantic power, politics and greed."
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"Twelfth Night", 2002.
A review of William Shakespeare's love story "Twelfth Night".
1,892 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night" can be seen as comedic social commentary on love and marriage amidst the backdrop of a renaissance ducal court, such as those that predominated in northern Italy. It discusses how the play, about a young woman who disguises herself as her brother in order to gain favor with the court results in confusion and how by using Viola as a plot device, Shakespeare calls into question traditional conceptualizations of romance, as well as gender relations and the significance of titles. It shows how Shakespeare has a lot of fun playing with this mixed-identity, gender-bending premise. It outline the plot of the play and provides an analysis of the main characters.
From the Paper
"Malvolio is self-involved; full of "self-love," as Olivia noted in Act I; he believes himself to be irresistible to a young woman like Olivia, despite the fact that he is an old servant. Maria, Olivia?s servant, decides to play a trick on him by forging a mock-love letter from Olivia. Before he reads the letter, he entertains a fantasy about being married to Olivia, and getting to strut around Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, due to his imagined rise in station. Malvolio's thinking out loud gets him in trouble; the party decide that Malvolio is being a perfect "turkeycock," which is a good image to describe Malvolio's pride. Maria and Feste, the canny court fool of Olivia, continue to torment Malvolio through the play, as the old servant is somewhat of a running joke who is unable to match wits with Feste."
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Oedipus and Hamlet: Tragic Heroes, 2002.
This paper discusses the features of the tragic hero, comparing and contrasting between is Sophocles? "Oedipus Rex" and Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,325 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper begins by looking at the differences between the classical tragic hero and the tragic hero of Shakespearian times. It then moves on to a closer examination of the characteristics of the tragic hero, as illustrated in is Sophocles? ?Oedipus Rex?. A brief outline of the plot is given and the paper explains how this work fits into the category of the mythological tale. The character flaws responsible for the tragic fall in the play are also discussed. Next the paper moves on to Shakespeare?s tragedy, ?Hamlet?, comparing it with the former tragedy in terms of evidence or lack of ?otherworldly forces? to spur on the tragedy and in terms of each plays philosophy concerning fate and free will. The paper concludes by explaining how both of these characters fit the mould of tragic hero.
From the Paper
"Understanding the Tragic Hero begins with an examination of Oedipus Rex. But, while he is the archetype of this particular literary character, Hamlet is, perhaps, the most well developed and psychologically complex of tragic heroes. For the Greeks, all things in life are preordained, which is what makes for the tragedy of Oedipus ? his attempt to make his own destiny. Over the course of time, however, while the form of the tragic hero did not change, the reason for his being tragic did. The social world of the Renaissance had shifted from a philosophy of determinism to one of individualism ? that we all have the choice to accept or deny our relationship with God. This makes Hamlet a tragic hero who is punished not for a flaunting of destiny, but because he is mad. It is the purpose of this paper to examine both Oedipus Rex and Hamlet as tragic heroes who, because of their different social contexts, made for very different men."
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The Times of William Shakespeare, 2002.
This paper traces the events of Shakespeare?s life during the years 1602?1611.
1,467 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
Shakespeare composed his plays, including the ones discussed in this essay, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England from 1558 to 1603, and during the early part of the reign of her cousin, James VI of Scotland, who took England?s throne as James I after Elizabeth?s death in 1603. This paper shows that records of Shakespeare?s plays first appeared in 1594, when the theaters reopened following the passing of an outbreak of the Bubonic Plague, which had closed them for 21 months. This paper focuses on the events of Shakespeare?s life during the years 1602?1611, a period in which Shakespeare wrote prolifically and penned such plays as "Troilus and Cressida", "All?s Well That Ends Well", "Antony and Cleopatra", "The Winter?s Tale" and "The Tempest".
From the Paper
"While Southampton had been condemned to death in London Tower for his involvement in the rebellious scheme, he fortunately received a reprieve. However, the event left Shakespeare deeply shaken and ended his involvement with Southampton and his circle of friends. Furthermore, in 1607, Shakespeare?s mother died. Surely, such death and chaos as he saw in those years played a crucial role in the switch to a darker, more tragic tone in his works.
Antony and Cleopatra was written around 1606 and deals with a different type of love than that discussed in Shakespeare?s earlier tragedies, namely the passions of the Roman general Mark Antony and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra."
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Role of Women in Shakespeare, 2002.
This paper examines how women were portrayed in the many different works by William Shakespeare.
1,305 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper is a discussion of Shakespeare's portrayal of women in his many different works. The author discusses how the female characters are portrayed in several of Shakespeares plays. In "Henry VI," the woman's placed is portrayed as being in the home, while in "Macbeth," Lady Macbeth's influence declines to the point where she becomes a nervous wreck. In "The Tempest," the heroine Miranda takes all of her cues from the male character, in "Hamlet" a women's involvement in political matters is suggested to be dangerous and in "The Taming of the Shrew," women who were beaten or treated badly by their husband were powerless to speak out against this abuse. The author uses many different sources to support their thesis that Shakespeare did not intentionally portray women in a negative light, but his works should be viewed as being a reflection of the world around him.
From the Paper
"In ?The Tempest,? Tarqfrler writes that the heroine, Miranda, again is portrayed as a ?conventional woman? (Tarqfrler pg). Although Shakespeare give her a ?bright and cheerful nature? filled with kindness and compassion, ?she is also oppressed by the male society?a woman who has none of the exaggerated affectations of social rules and timid conventions? (Tarqfrler pg). Shakespeare?s male representative, Prospero, trains her in the essential of life, such as ?speech, dress, obedience, gentleness and modesty? (Tarqfrler pg). Miranda is na?ve of the world?s social structure, the protocol of aristocracy, moreover, she had no clue as to her place in the scheme of things (Tarqfrler pg). So although, her character is praised for its naivete and beauty, ?she lacks profound intellectual and moral content? (Tarqfrler pg). Tarqfrler cites the critic Mrs. Jameson, saying, ?She says that beautified nonsense existing in a charming manner does not constitute life. And for this reason Miranda disappoints us considerably. Miranda is a puppet and she lacks the quality and capability of her father. She is guided by Prospero, especially, in her ?love affair?? (Tarqfrler pg)."
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