| Papers [1-10] of 16691 :: [Page 1 of 1670] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
|
|
"A Man Named Dave", 2008.
A personal reaction to the book, "A Man Named Dave," written by Dave Pelzer.
1,426 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the two main reactions that the writer of the paper had after working through "A Man Named Dave," written by Dave Pelzer. The paper describes events that happened in the writer's life that he was reminded of when reading "A Man Named Dave." The paper also briefly touches on the possible relationship between special education needs and abused children.
From the Paper
"One day we were playing a game of "horse" on a playground about two blocks from Billy's house. I didn't know that his dad had told him he could not leave the yard, but in this case he had tagged along with his big brother and was watching all of us shoot baskets, and it seemed real innocent. Billy wanted to be like us; he loved sports, and though he wasn't very good, he tried real hard. He had physical and emotional limitations, I could tell. We were having fun - until Billy's dad pulled up in his black SUV on the street next to the playground. We knew that car. And we all new how violent the dad was. His dad left the car running, got out, and opened the back door. We stopped shooting baskets and watched his dad pull a very wide belt out of the back seat. It looked like one of those old fashioned belts that barber shops used to sharpen their razors. If you've ever been in an old-fashioned barbershop you know the kind."
| |
|
"Nosferatu" and "Dracula", 2008.
A comparison of the films of "Dracula," based on Bram Stoker's novel and the 1992 film "Nosferatu," produced by German filmmaker F. W. Murnau.
2,983 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses Bram Stoker's horror novel, "Dracula." It describes the plot of the novel and its characters. The paper then looks at the play of "Dracula" that was produced on stage by Hamilton Dean and John Balderston and discusses its plot. It then discusses the 1931 film version of the novel. The paper finally analyzes the 1922 silent production entitled "Nosferatu," produced by German filmmaker F. W. Murnau and compares it to the films of "Dracula."
Table of Contents:
The Novel and the Play
The Plot
Dracula 1931
Nosferatu
Nosferatu and German Expressionism
From the Paper
"Expressionism focused and emphasized the subjective over the objective (Haney 2005). Its goal was to elicit the strongest possible emotional response. Nosferatu is not only the story of a vampire. It is also the story of plague and pestilence, of evil and greed, and of inequality and sexless marriage. It delved into sexual repression and revealed the vampires out of people in the state of the German soul after World War I in Germany. Bram Stoker's novel was a peek into the subconscious. Murnau brought it out and expressed it in the form of a film. He firmly drew from that awareness that everything present contains meaning and significance. The time of its production and other elements combined to make it an Expressionist film. Though not a completely traditional representation of Expressionism, Murnau made the film unique as compared with other films of its time. The most significant element is location filming, which gave it a strong realistic character. His talent puts his horrific dream teetering at the edge of reality. He meticulously chose the elements of his film and blended them carefully into a whole and single expression of a message (Haney)."
| |
|
"A Gathering of Old Men.", 2008.
An overview of the book "A Gathering of Old Men", by Ernest J. Gaines.
1,477 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 48.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the novel "A Gathering of Old Men" by Ernest J. Gaines. Specifically it describes and assesses how the novel depicts the culture that it is portraying. "A Gathering of Old Men" indicates that even in the relatively modern South, hatred and old ideas still exist. Slavery may have ended in the 19th century, but the residual effects of that institution still follow blacks and whites in the South. The historical context of this moving book illustrates that quite clearly.
From the Paper
"Ernest J. Gaines was born on January 15, 1933 on the River Lake Plantation in Louisiana. He worked in the cane fields of the plantation when he was a child, and the setting offers the background for much of his fiction. He says, "Though the places in my stories and novels are imaginary ones, they are based pretty much on the place where I grew up and the surrounding areas where I worked, went to school, and traveled as a child. My characters speak the way people speak in that area" (Bauer). He has written numerous novels and short stories, and almost all of them tell the emotional stories of black people struggling to live in a largely white world, just like this one. He has won numerous awards and recognition for his novels, including a National Endowment for the Arts grant, a Guggenheim fellow, and a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation fellow (Bauer). He is a professor of English in Lafayette, Louisiana, and he continues to write compelling tales about black life and social issues in his home state."
| |
|
"Grendel " by John Gardner, 2008.
A discussion of the novel, "Grendel", which is a retelling of the Anglo-Saxon epic "Beowulf", from the perspective of the antagonist.
1,736 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 56.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses that the novel, "Grendel", is a retelling of the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf from the perspective of the antagonist i.e. Grendel. The paper says that the 1971 novel by John Gardner follows the life of Grendel but at the same time attempts to construct a deeper subtext by tackling issues such as the quest for meaning in the world, the purpose of man, and the fight between good and evil. The paper further states that the philosophical content of Grendel is undeniable; Grendel follows the changes that occur inside of him, and in doing so, formulates intelligent commentaries as to the two main perspectives on the world and the purpose of humanity, determinism and existentialism. The paper also states Grendel's war on mankind is waged as a result of his encounter with the dragon whose nihilistic view deeply influences Grendel. Grendel now feels enraged by the romantic view that the Danes have on the world, and their history of braveness and courage. The paper asserts the thesis that Grendel is an existentialist who tries to provide meaning to his life in an environment that is hostile to him.
From the Paper
"Grendel is an existentialist who tries to derive meaning from the world around him. Gardner himself explained, "What Grendel does is take, one by one, the great heroic ideals of mankind since the beginning and make a case for these values by setting up alternatives in an ironic set of monster values. I hate Existentialism." (Morace; Van Spanckeren: 67). Grendel starts out as a nihilist for whom everything is meaningless and devoid of real value. However, he yearns for meaning. His revolt is interior because he does not see himself as important since he in only an animal. Moreover, he gets angry at the sky for "ignoring" him. This is a stage of deep confusion for Grendel who is torn between his feeling that nothing is truly of importance in the world, and the awareness that no matter how many men he kills, he cannot break their spirits as they continue to rebuilt their castle. His inability to destroy their faith and morale angers him."
| |
|
War in Literature, 2008.
A comparison of the style and perspectives on war that are portrayed in Tim O'Brien's short story, "The Things They Carried" and Yusef Komunyakaa's poem, "Facing It."
774 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the ways that war is portrayed in literature. It specifically discusses and compares two literary pieces that reflect the heavy weight of war - Tim O'Brien's short story, "The Things They Carried" and Yusef Komunyakaa's poem, "Facing It." The paper looks at the different perspectives of the writer's and discusses how they convey the emotional strain of war through powerful imagery, tone, theme and point of view.
From the Paper
"In "Facing It," the poet's point of view is serious and nervous with a somber tone. He does not want to cry and tells himself he is made of stone like the wall. When he sees objects reflected in the wall, he is temporarily taken aback and must take a moment to gather himself. For example, when he sees the woman "trying to erase names" (30), he understands that he is catching a reflection of a woman brushing a boys hair. The images blur, representing the blur between the past and the present. In "The Things They Carried," the point of view is from a disillusioned soldier. We read that the soldiers "had no sense of strategy or mission. They searched the villages without knowing what to look for, not caring . . . (15). Here we see that the men feel lost even though they may know exactly where they are. They have no sense of belonging because war has removed any sense of security from them."
| |
|
Herman Melville's "Billy Bud, Sailor", 2008.
A persuasive essay on the novel "Billy Budd, Sailor" by Herman Melville.
1,295 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 43.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the novel "Billy Budd, Sailor" by Herman Melville. Specifically it contains a persuasive essay regarding sacrifice and the possibility of redemption in the novel. The paper states that in the novel, Billy dies as a result of miscommunication, hatred, and lies, yet, he accepts his fate and sacrifices his life for the rest of the crew. The paper relates that civilization should not require sacrifice, but for the sake of peace and freedom, most often, civilization does require sacrifice by one or many to remain free of anarchy and chaos. The paper concludes that the author questions what this says about our civilization.
From the Paper
"He compares other characters to ferrets, horses, and other creatures, and he does this again to separate the characters and indicate Billy's innocence and Claggart's evil. As noted, this also indicates just how closely aligned the characters are to the animal world, a world where the fittest survive, and chaos ensues if there is not order and dominance. Clearly, this applies to life on the ship, as well, and so, the society on board ship is somewhat animal-like and inhuman, which is why society demands for the execution of Billy. He is far too innocent and good to survive in this alien world, and Claggart, the most evil of all the characters, understands this far too well. "
| |
|
Langston Hughes, 2008.
This paper discusses the works of Langston Hughes, the famed African-American poet.
4,516 words (approx. 18.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 117.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper examines Langston Hughes' poems "Let America Be America Again" and "I, Too, Sing America" that talk about the American Dream and its intrinsic connections with the African-American destiny. The paper shows how his work was influenced by his own life experience, the historical background through which he lived and by his sense of belonging to the African-American tradition. The paper discusses how Hughes' poetry is an essential influence over the subsequent periods through its creativity, style and powerful message.
From the Paper
"Langston Hughes is one of the greatest and most versatile poets of the twentieth century. His voice has defined and influenced his own age as well as the following centuries, imposing new artistic values in the literary world. Hughes is considered to be one of the leading voices of the Harlem Renaissance, the literary movement which aimed at the revival and assertion of the African American culture and its traditions. Naturally, his works are filled with African folklore and important cultural motifs, following the rhythms of the native tradition. But, most of all, Hughes' work is similar to that one of the greatest voices of America: Walt Whitman."
| |
|
William Blake and "The Tyger", 2008.
A short biography of William Blake's life and an analysis of his poem "The Tyger."
1,343 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the Romantic poet William Blake and one of his most famous poems, "The Tyger." The writer explains how Blake's artistic talent led to him becoming an engraver, and how his technique of stereotype printing enabled him to produce his books himself. In analyzing "The Tyger," from Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Experience," the writer notes that it is necessary to keep its companion poem, "The Lamb," in mind as well. "The Tyger" is a poem of many levels and more questions than answers, and the writer finds that its scope is enormous because it makes its readers think of life, the world, God, nature, the universe, and themselves all at once. This intensity and immensity is characteristic of Romantic poetry.
From the Paper
"Blake's poetry is strong and confrontational - he is a poet that makes us want to think about things. He especially wanted us to think about God and what we thought him to be. His poems of innocence and experience provide two sides of God and man to us and leave us with plenty of food for thought. "The Tyger" is one of Blake's most celebrated poems because it forces us to consider the greatness of God along with his fierceness. The poem is successful because it makes us think about the questions without providing a clear-cut answer."
| |
|
"The Catcher in the Rye", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of innocence in J. D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye".
770 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how J. D. Salinger's novel, "The Catcher in the Rye", demonstrates the difficulty of growing up. It looks at how Holden's character evolves throughout the novel and how, by the end he realizes that innocence is a nice thing that does not last forever and regardless of how one tries to avoid the reality of the world, one must eventually face it. It also discusses how Salinger is successful about presenting the life and thoughts of a troubled teenager crossing from youth into adulthood.
From the Paper
"Holden is a cynic, and a very young one at that. He does not have much faith in the world and thinks that the grown-up world (i.e., the real world) is phony. Like many young adults, he believes he has the world figured out and wants no part of it. Holden has a difficult time with certain truths about life, as demonstrated through his emotional breakdown mentioned at the beginning and the end of the novel. "
| |
|
Steinbeck's "Chrysanthemums", 2008.
A discussion on the completely divergent views of the physical and emotional world that Steinbeck masterfully explodes in "Chrysanthemums."
938 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses John Steinbeck's writings and refers to the fact that he has always infused his work with the issue of gender and tends to blend the men and women into a general view of humanity that is purposefully meant to see the "us" in the relationship between the two sides of the same coin. The paper states that this is the case with the two primary characters in his short story, "Chrysanthemums" and concludes that, in this story, Steinbeck is not only telling us that men and women are different, but he's illustrating that fact in an exceptionally small and effective context.
From the Paper
"Henry represents a "typical" man, one whom Elisa must "set herself for". In their relationship, Henry is woefully ignorant and uncomprehending of his wife's archetypal feminine interaction with the world. Where he sees form and function, she sees beauty and spirituality. Nowhere in the story does this receive more attention than in the entire discourse over the flowers. Henry refers to them in terms of size and shape, emphasizing that his understanding of the natural world is directly connected to his job in which manipulation of nature and the total control over the natural order is the goal. For Elisa, building a relationship with nature, appreciating not only the beauty but all of the various aspects (both pleasant and unpleasant) of the flowers as a whole. We can understand that, for her, the connection of humanity to nature is one of mutual respect, of accepting things as they are, of communicating with nature as a caretaker. If we then, as the author wants us to do, take this relationship with nature and juxtapose it upon the relationship between man and woman within the context of the story, we can see how simply and fundamentally different men and women are. While they live in the same house, live off the same money, and function within the same society, these two people fail utterly to connect with each other because they do not share a common emotional language."
|
|
|