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Gender Themes in 'The Taming of the Shrew', 2006.
This paper discusses gender roles in Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew'.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses gender roles within the play 'The Taming of the Shrew'. It is the position of this paper that Shakespeare was indeed making a commentary on gender roles when he wrote 'The Taming of the Shrew'. The writer maintains that the comment he was making was that the established system in which men were lords and masters over women and basically owned them and women were expected to be docile and obedient at all times, was ridiculous. The writer concludes that William Shakespeare, in writing this play, showed his audiences in exaggerated terms the ridiculousness of the system of male domination, while also demonstrating to women that attempting to completely overthrow societal norms is not the way to a more equal relationship with men. Instead, he demonstrated a revolutionary concept for his time and showed how men and women can ultimately get along as partners by compromise.
From the Paper
"It is a play intended to make the audience laugh. In order to provoke laughter, a play must have something familiar in it, something that everyday people can recognize and relate to. In the late 16th century, when this particular play was written, European society and in fact most societies in the world, were heavily patriarchal in nature. The man was expected to be the lord and ruler of the household and men ruled the world in general. Women had few, if any, rights, and were considered the property of first their fathers and then their husbands, and were appointed a male guardian if they had neither. Women were expected to be obedient to their husbands, quiet, docile, and to keep an orderly home. While this was no doubt not always the system that went on behind closed doors, it was the "official" system, and the one that everyone was expected to appear to be adhering to in public. Shakespeare picked this system to poke fun at in writing The Taming of the Shrew because it was familiar to the audience, being something that affected them all in their daily lives."
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"The Taming of the Shrew", 2006.
This paper analyzes the protagonists in Shakespeare's play to show that Shakespeare has a keen understanding of human psychology.
1,740 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
The paper studies Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" and considers the four characters involved. The paper comes to the conclusion that Shakespeare has a strong understanding of what motivates and determines human behavior. All the characters in the play are acting based on circumstances and they all adapt their behavior to suit the circumstances. This shows that Shakespeare has a keen understanding of human behavior and is able to create a play where the actions of the characters and their interactions are explained by human psychology.
From the Paper
"The final character that shows Shakespeare's understanding of human psychology is Bianca. Bianca is the opposite to Kate because she is favored and loved by everyone. This creates the appearance that she is kind, agreeable, and everything that Kate is not. However, it is later revealed that this is not Bianca's true character. Instead, she just behaves this way to suit her own needs. Essentially, she behaves in a way that is consistent with what people want from her. This allows her to gain the love and trust of others, which gives her power and control. In the end though, it is revealed that she is not the loving, trusting wife that Kate is. Once married, Bianca ignores her husband's needs and does as she wishes. The most important point made by Bianca's character is that the real nature of people is not what is immediately seen. In making this point, Shakespeare is showing that people are not who they appear to be but can adapt how they appear to suit their own needs. This shows an awareness of human psychology because it means that Shakespeare is looking beyond just what people say and do and looking into the reasons for their behavior."
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Oedipus Rex, 2006.
This paper discusses 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles and examines why this work remains so noteworthy after such a long time.
1,376 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles that was written at least 2000 years ago and examines why the play continues as one of the most important and renowned tragedies ever. The writer discusses that some say it is the unique style, or its historical richness, or perhaps the theme that helps to better understand the foibles of humankind. The writer also suggests that maybe, the play maintains its successful run because it has just as powerful a message for humankind as it did two millennium ago. The writer concludes that all are left with the anxiety that their lives may be just as changeable and unpredictable. The writer maintains that this knowledge and understanding, in fact, is what makes Oedipus Rex today as important and renowned in the present as it was over 2,000 years ago.
From the Paper
"The truth is that anyone, anywhere is subject to the will of the gods. Now having the same strengths and weaknesses as anyone in the theater from the least plebeian to most privileged, Oedipus evokes a range of emotions from disgust to pity to terror. All are left with the anxiety that their lives may be just as changeable and unpredictable. For that is what happens to all who are mortal.
That knowledge and understanding, in fact, is what makes Oedipus Rex today as important and renowned in the present as it was over 2,000 years ago. How many humans, today, are just as torn--wondering how much of their lives are dictated by God, fate or some other force they cannot control, and how much they can decide for themselves through their own free will?"
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Philadelphia Dance Theater, 2006.
This paper examines the theaters and dance companies in Philadelphia.
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the state of Philadelphia has more than thirty dynamic and successful dance companies and theaters. The paper describes these theaters that include modern ballet, jazz, tap dancing, modern dance forms, flamenco, African-American, Indian and other types of folk and ethnic dance forms. The paper also provides some background about the Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Theater Company. The writer concludes that the Philadelphia Theater Company has throughout the years provided a veritable showcase for displaying the vicarious talents of many young dancers of the area and in some certain cases, siblings and their parents too.
From the Paper
"It is an interesting fact that the state of Philadelphia has more than thirty excellent and dynamic Dance Companies, and theaters as well, and some of the nations' oldest dance theaters are in existence in the state today. These theaters are based in Philadelphia, and they tour globally. For example, the Pennsylvania Ballet is today celebrating its fortieth year of existence, and the Group Motion Dance Company and the Philadelphia Dance Company are today preparing for their thirty fifth anniversaries. Although all these theaters and dance companies have been growing through a number of changes over the years, its artistic view point is as strong as it ever was. However, it must be noted that the newer and later hip hop dance companies are thriving in Philadelphia as well, and one reason for this is the nurturing type of nature of the Philadelphia Dance Community as such. (Group Motion Press Room, Kick up your Heels)
The Philadelphia Dance Theater includes modern ballet, jazz, tap dancing, modern dance forms, flamenco, African American, Indian, and other types of folk and ethnic dance forms. Philadanco, or the Philadelphia Dance Company, is already at the performing end of another ballet named the 'Horse's Mouth', and this is also reputed to be a first arte performance by Philadelphia's young artistes. This year's performance of the 'Nutcracker' by the Philadelphia Dance Theater, just like its previous ones, would allow families during the Holiday Season a few hours together to enjoy, uninterruptedly, the magical world created for them by the choreographers and the directors and the performers of the play. (Group Motion Press Room, Kick up your Heels) The Dance Theater of Pennsylvania today is more than twenty seven years old, and it still continues its traditional practice of staging beautiful and timeless ballet productions. The 2005 to 2006 season is under way today, and this is the season in which the Nutcracker is generally staged."
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Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest", 2006.
This paper describes and analyzes Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest".
1,935 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Oscar Wilde's comic play "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a satiric look at aspects of British society, notably the influence of social class and rigid stratification. The author points out that the play toys with the dual meaning of the sound of Ernest: How important it is to be earnest, meaning sincere, and how important it is to be named Ernest. The paper relates that Wilde develops an inverted parody of the stock romantic situation in which the lovers' devotion alone and not their names have meaning; the play abounds in inversions of romantic cliches found in epigrams and certain conversational exchanges, which are structured on the basis of a reversal of expectations. Includes many quotations.
From the Paper
"To say that Jack is manipulating reality is to say that he is manipulating his own reality, for the play does not deal in what we would call objective reality. This is a world that does not exist, with people who operate on their own logic. Reality for Jack is always something of a blur because he has no idea who he really is. In this sense, his entire life is an appearance rather than a reality until he learns through a series of coincidences at the end of the play who he really is--he is Algy's older brother--and what his name is--his name really is Ernest."
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"The Eumenides" by Aeschylus, 2006.
This paper analyzes and summarizes Aeschylus' play "The Eumenides".
1,980 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in the play "The Eumenides", Aeschylus,
while using many tragic elements to move the plot to its conclusion, nonetheless employs the unique feature of a positive ending, which is not contrived but rather well constructed from the elements throughout the play. The author points out that Aeschylus uses consistent symbolism and does not change the characters or the symbols in the story; instead, the changes occur from within and very gradually. The paper relates that the evolution of the play echoes the evolution within the depicted society during which conflicting forces were at work and the savage practices of the past were being replaced by the civilization of the new paradigm.
Tale of Contents
The Furies
Sacrifice and Redemption
From the Paper
"This is the point where forgiveness rather than revenge comes to the forefront of the play. Athena's argument rests on the new order rather than the old. The emerging civilization is to be based upon understanding, forgiveness and atonement. Indeed, the foregoing events in the play have shown that violence begets violence. Revenge upon revenge is exacted, with never an end to the blood and death of citizens that could otherwise have proved worthy members of society. In the ultimate show of forgiveness and atonement, Athena shows that the Furies can have a place in the new society. This however comes not with a warning, but with an assumption that even the Furies have a sense of justice."
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Shakespeare, 2006.
This paper looks at Shakespeare's semi-autobiographical work "The Tempest".
1,473 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare and discusses traits of Shakespeare himself that are portrayed within the play. Using references to the character, Prospero from the play, the writer examines the identity of the playwright, Shakespeare. The writer suggests what type of person Shakespeare might have been according to actions and attitudes of Prospero. The writer concludes that consciously or not, Shakespeare compared himself to Prospero, based on Prospero's isolation from society, his magical powers, and his control over others' lives.
From the Paper
"Shakespeare's true identity remains a mystery for most scholars and historians. However, the playwright's knowledge of the culture of nobility and monarchy suggest that Shakespeare may have been a member of the British noble court or at least someone close to it. Because writing and acting were not deemed respectable professions for a nobleperson, it is highly likely that Shakespeare was a pen name for someone within the regal realm. Even if Shakespeare was a common writer or actor, he may still have needed a nom de plume to cover up his true identity. Therefore, Shakespeare led a double life much like that of Prospero. Although Shakespeare was not exiled on an island, he was symbolically living in exile from his community. Like Prospero, Shakespeare might have been a former nobleman."
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Roman Theatre, 2006.
This paper discusses Roman theatre and its history.
1,461 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Roman theatre and explains that it was vastly influenced by the Greek theatre although they have many differences. The paper provides an outline of the general history of Roman theatre and discusses how the Roman theatre gives us an insight on the Romans and their culture. The paper relates that it has played an important part in the beginning and evolution of the European theatre.
From the Paper
"The Roman theatre faced some problems in the beginning due to the fact that the audience was distracted by other events. The first performance of Hecyra was a ruin because the audience was distracted by the boxers and the rope dancer. The second performance was again a disaster as people heard of a rumor that a "gladiatorial display was about to take place" (W. Beare, p.165). The stage was a wooden one and some people hold the view that at a time the Romans had created a revolving stage. This is not considered as an authentic historical record of the history of Roman theatre. The actors and their dressing rooms were located behind the stage."
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"Tartuffe" by Moliere, 2006.
An analysis of the different ways that the play "Tartuffe" may be presented to different audiences.
846 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The essay discusses the play "Tartuffe" and how it would often play to different parts of the audience based on social differences. It describes how the actors might play to different parts of the theater, for instance, which would not necessarily be indicated by the text and also the way different subject matter is included for different groups in the theater.
From the Paper
"The foolishness of Orgon contrasts with the deviousness of Tartuffe, and the latter character dominates the play even when not on stage because the other characters all act in response to him and his machinations. Indeed, Tartuffe does not appear physically until the third act, but his presence is felt from the beginning as other characters talk about him, behave as he would have them behave, and show themselves ready to submit their will to his. By the time Tartuffe actually appears, the audience has a strong image of him. This image is not entirely favorable."
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Baz Lurman's Film "Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
This paper compares the 1996 film version of Baz Lurman's "Romeo and Juliet" with William Shakespeare's original version of this romantic tragedy.
775 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, while Baz Lurman's "Romeo and Juliet" presents the main theme of the play as a conflict between the bad values of the older generation and the disaffected but still hopeful younger generation, Shakespeare's play evolves more as a tale of fate and the fragile nature of love. The author points out that the film's images stem from a modern sense of alienation, an idea underlined in the overall design of the film, in which a Pluralist or post-modern pastiche of Hispanic, contemporary and some Renaissance images creates a sense of confusion mirrored in the lovers' own difficulties in finding meaning in their world. The paper relates that, although the themes of youthful alienation exist in both versions but are more present in Lurman's cinematic re-telling, Shakespeare, as is consistent with the Renaissance era, takes the example of the lovers to reflect upon the 'chance' nature of romance.
From the Paper
"The unavoidability of fate was an important idea of the Renaissance era during which Shakespeare wrote. Also important, well into the Baroque era was the question of how much respect and deference a child owed his or her parents in terms of selecting a marital partner. Shakespeare sides with the lovers in their passion, but clearly shows how Romeo and Juliet's love upsets the rulership of Verona, and how society is harmed as well as helped. Good aspects to society, such as the kind prince, and Juliet's more loving father and mother are upset when Juliet decides to eschew parental care."
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