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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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William Shakespeare's "King Henry the IV, Part I", 2008.
Looks at the treatment of women in William Shakespeare's "King Henry the IV, Part I".
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the apparent roles and functions of women in William Shakespeare's "King Henry the IV, Part I". Specifically, the paper looks at the impact of women upon other characters and whether or not their roles should have been different and, if so, how they should have been different. The paper contends that Shakespeare accurately captures the gender divisions of his age but fails to highlight the central contribution of Henry IV's first wife, Mary de Bohun, in the establishment of this man as a powerful king over a flourishing empire.
From the Paper
"One other thing that becomes evident is that much of the play is about men seeking power - about them accruing titles or lands, in short. As a result, by as early as Act 1, Scene 3, it is fairly clear, at least as we listen to Hotspur denounce the Prince of Wales and "Bolingbroke" (Henry IV), that power in fourteenth century England is a "man's thing" and that women are only referenced in these matters if they are bearing children who may become lineal descendants to a throne or baronetcy or if the behavior of one nobleman or another is so intemperate that he is described by his colleagues as a "woman" who cannot hold his tongue or think rationally."
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Women in Shakespeare's Tragedies, 2008.
A proposal for a project to study the representation of women in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and "Othello".
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 34 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the project will be a detailed analysis of two works by William Shakespeare, "Othello" and "Romeo and Juliet", focusing primarily on the feminist and philosophical elements of the two plays, as well as the significance of the historical context in which they were written. The author points out that feminists, who are preoccupied with the commentary being made in Shakespeare's plays concerning women, question whether his representations of women truly reflect reality. The paper includes an outline of the method by which the project will be completed.
Table of Contents:
Project Overview
Subject to be Studied
Intended Outcomes
Learning Objectives
Detailed Work Plan
Project Outline
Method
Literary Resources
On-Line Resources
Faculty Supervisor's Role
Proposed Timetable
From the Paper
"The project proposes to examine the genius of Shakespeare as a dramatist who possessed a deep psychological understanding of women and who usually was able to anticipate a feminist perspective on women's issues and roles. Being a male author during the Elizabethan period, Shakespeare exhibited profound insights into the psyche of his female characters. Desdemona is unafraid to confront her father and is fascinated by the violent aspect of life yet she is also incapable of taking any real action to resolve her situation."
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The Nature of Evil, 2008.
An analysis of the concept of evil in John Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Shakespeare's "Othello".
2,220 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper examines pathological narcissism and how it manifests itself in Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Shakespeare's "Othello". The paper looks at the characteristics of jealousy, revenge, war and self-glorification and describes the devious, ingenious means by which both Satan and Iago wreak their havoc. The paper shows how these two characters portray how the nature of evil is to destroy and cause harm at any cost.
From the Paper
"Paradise Lost, a poem by John Milton, is one of his most highly acclaimed poems. This particular poem is about the birth of Adam and Eve and how they lost their place in the Garden of Eden, or Paradise, caused by Satan. In this poem Milton deals with many issues regarding concept of evil. The concept of evil is prevalent in the character, Satan, just as it is prevalent in the character of Iago. Predictably, they also harbor some of the psychological features of those inclined to evil-doing: incorrigible jealousy, narcissism (from which springs jealousy), an inability to look at oneself honestly, a taste for violence, and an irrepressible commitment to self-glorification. Going further, there are other similarities between Satan and Iago. Chiefly, the similarities revolve around their actual activities in the stories; to wit, each individual is far more interested in securing revenge."
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Emotion and "Twelfth Night", 2008.
This paper looks at the overabundance of emotion in Shakespeare's work 'Twelfth Night'.
1,274 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that many scholarly articles and studies of 'Twelfth Night' tend to downplay the literary importance of the play by categorizing it as a genial and charming play. The writer maintains that there is not anything inherently abominable about being either genial or charming, but these two words do not do justice to Shakespeare's deceptively "light" play. 'Twelfth Night' is not a tragedy, but this does not prevent Shakespeare from exploring, through comedy, several fundamental themes of human existence: love, grief, and desire. This paper analyzes Shakespeare's exploration of these existential themes as they appear in 'Twelfth Night' and argues that the playwright, through comedy, unveils the ludicrousness and inappropriateness of extravagant and sentimental emotion.
From the Paper
"The question and the man who asks it barely register in Orsino's mind, but he is quick to pull out his readily available stock of conventional wisdom as soon as he breaks his reverie, and responds to Curio's question with a trite metaphor on love and hunting. No wonder, then, that the servants show signs of impatience and restlessness: their master is luxuriating in a state of complete self-absorption, and the outside world (or the beings that inhabit it) have ceased to exist. Of course, this matters not at all to the extravagant Orsino, as he is completely clueless as to what transpires around him and simply lacks the energy (in the manner of all love-sick gentleman) to engage in hunting or other depleting physical activities.
"Olivia, too, embodies these same characteristics, and it is perhaps unfortunate that the two do not make their own happy ending. Similarly to her determined pursuer, Olivia's emotional "disorder" reveals itself through her conversations with Cesario. The reader knows, before even encountering Olivia, that she is in mourning for a beloved brother. "
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Magic in Three Shakespearean Plays, 2008.
An analysis of the theme of magic in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest", a "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and "Hamlet".
1,657 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
In a number of his plays, William Shakespeare uses magic as a driving force moving the action of the play forward. This paper discusses how this is certainly true in two of his famous comedies, "The Tempest" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and how, it is also true, in a somewhat different way in his greatest tragedy, "Hamlet".
From the Paper
"A Midsummer Night's Dream (MSN in following citations) is also a play filled with magic. This play involves essentially three sets of characters: the Athenian workmen, the young lovers (Hermia, Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius), and the fairies. The fairies are, of course, magical beings, and their interaction with one another and with the various humans drives the play. Interestingly, for all their more-than-natural powers, the fairies are prey to a most human emotion, jealousy. Titania has quitted her marriage bed because Oberon has become too fond of a young boy he sought as a page of honor. (MSN, II, i, 118-21) Stung by Titania's jealousy, Oberon plots a mischievous revenge. "
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Shakespeare as Horatio, 2008.
This paper argues that William Shakespeare wrote the character of Horatio in "Hamlet" as an expression of himself.
781 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that while there is no written documentation that suggests that Shakespeare intentionally delineated himself as Horatio, several factors within the play demonstrate that this was the case. The paper looks at how Hamlet was written for Shakespeare's son, Hamnet, how Horatio serves as the voice of reason for Hamlet, and how Horatio spoke to Fortinbras.
From the Paper
"There is no documented evidence that suggests that William Shakespeare wrote the character of Horatio in Hamlet as an expression of himself. However, it is clear throughout the play specific factors could support the notion that Horatio was not only the voice of reason for Hamlet, but a representation of Shakespeare that strode along side the title character and assisted him through the events that ultimately led to Hamlet's death. In this manner Shakespeare does delineate himself as the character of Horatio, who is bound by Hamlet's last request to tell the tragic tale. "
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Hamlet's Sanity, 2008.
An analysis of Hamlet's level of sanity in William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet."
1,477 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the personality of Hamlet in William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet." It particularly focuses on the question of whether Hamlet was insane or if he was just pretending to be so. It also questions whether Hamlet could have plotted murder if he was insane. The paper concludes that Hamlet was melancholic, depressed and suffered from anhedonia.
From the Paper
"The fact is that many people have interpreted Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, in different ways. The play is centered on the fact that Hamlet does not immediately seek revenge. Hamlet has been told by a ghost to seek revenge for his father's death. Any person seeing a ghost and hearing one would automatically question their saneness. Hamlet is angry at himself at times for not carrying out the revenge, but murdering someone is not something that can be done easily even in cases where murder is necessary (Prince Hamlet). Looking at the etymology of Hamlet shows that is name is one filled with meaning and controversy (Prince Hamlet). No doubt, Hamlet felt torn in many different ways when it came to seeking revenge for his father. During the Reformation time period, the existence of purgatory was a major issue. Perhaps Hamlet delayed the death to make sure that his uncle had made peace with God (Prince Hamlet). Perhaps most people can see Hamlet as a mirror of the audience, because everyone has problems that could lead them to be insane."
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Iago's Jealousy, 2008.
This paper analyzes how Iago causes Othello's moral degradation in William Shakespeare's "Othello".
1,663 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
In this analysis of Shakespeare's "Othello, the author discusses how Othello, Iago and Desdemona are victimized by the envy and jealousy of Iago's trickery. The author further emphasizes how Othello's lack of moral objectivity is often the subject of Iago's cunning. The paper then shows how this loss of moral objectivity ultimately acts as the foundation for Iago's success over Othello.
From the Paper
"In these lines, Iago's envious understanding of Othello's jealousy is a successful modus operandi for his diabolical scheme to sabotage Othello's career. When Iago successfully dissolves Othello's trust in Cassio, one can see a glimpse of his anger, which would commit murder against his wife in a jealous rage. In this manner, the racial superiority that Iago feels toward his Moorish superior helps to begin the cataclysm of jealousy that cascades through Iago and then into the marriage of Othello and Desdemona."
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Chaucer, Shakespeare and Gender Roles, 2008.
A comparison of the portrayal of sexual and gender roles in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Wife of Bath's Tale" and William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
1,540 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper compares how Geoffrey Chaucer in "Wife of Bath's Tale" and William Shakespeare in "Twelfth Night" questioned, challenged or mocked contemporary views on gender roles and sexual stereotypes. The paper shows how, although there are differences, we can see a similar attitude in both works toward gender roles, sexual stereotyping and the treatment and portrayal of women.
From the Paper
""The Wife of Bath's Tale" is one of a series of stories in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. It was probably written shortly prior to his death in 1400. The Canterbury Tales is a "frame story," meaning that a series of narratives are tied together allowing each character to relate their own story (Alexander xvii). Chaucer's stories are the individual tales of a group of pilgrims traveling together to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury (Alexander xvi). "The Wife of Bath's Tale" is really the second for this character as it is preceded by "The Wife of Bath's Prologue" which is sort of an autobiography in which she describes her five marriages. The true order in which Chaucer placed each of the tales (other's including the Miller, the Pardoner, the Prioress and the Nun's Priest) is not known (Alexander xix). Chaucer was not only a writer, but had a long career as a public servant. During his life he traveled widely throughout Europe, no doubt the source of many of his story ideas and characters. It is possible that Chaucer never finished all of his intended tales, and that some of the book is autobiographical, with him playing the varied role of the host for his collection of characters."
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Poor Character Judgment in "King Lear", 2008.
A analysis of King Lear's poor character judgement in William Shakespeare's play, "King Lear."
1,108 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes a personal life evaluation of the blindness of poor character judgment in relation to William Shakespeare's "King Lear." It specifically discusses the poor character judgment of King Lear by not choosing Cordelia to take over his empire and invariably leaving his domains in the hands of his two corrupt daughters, Goneril and Regan. It also presents the writer's own personal experience with relation to the "blindness" of poor character judgment.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the arrogance of age is one example in my life where I had made a 'blind' choice because I assumed an elder superiority over rational judgment. Much like king Lear, I had chosen the wrong persons to inherit a valuable asset, which invariably ended in a tragic and destructive way. King Lear had lost his ability to rule, just as I had lost my old car to an irresponsible cousin. In this manner, I was blind because of my arrogance in assuming that those that respect my status as an elder would be more responsible. King Lear also made this mistake by allowing his superficial and usurping daughters to inherit his kingdom over the far more honest and noble Cordelia. This is how my own life experience was blind the truth in relation to King Lear of William Shakespeare's tragic play."
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