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Michael Almereyda?s "Hamlet", 2005.
A discussion on director Michael Almereyda's film version (2000) of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
4,755 words (approx. 19.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 122.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how director Michael Almereyda uses technology and a modern setting to tell the story of "Hamlet". It looks at how Almereyda's use of various devices, as well as forms of technology, give "Hamlet" new relevance to an audience that may not understand or care much about the succession of monarchies but does understand the consequences of corporate buy-outs. It also discusses how the fact that Almereyda sets "Hamlet" in modern times not only makes it more accessible to a modern audience, but also changes the image of the play.
From the Paper
"After one has seen multiple productions of "Hamlet", one comes to expect each production to place a different emphasis on Hamlet's madness. Therefore, one of the most striking things about Almereyda's Hamlet was that it completely de-emphasized Hamlet's madness. However, by taking emphasis away from the very scenes in which other directors have chosen to have their Hamlets act the most mad, Almereyda and actor Ethan Hawke have created something unusual: a Hamlet that is definitely mentally ill. While Hawke's Hamlet lacks the frantic lunacy of other Hamlets, the movie makes it clear that Hamlet is severely depressed. In fact, Hawke spoke of rock star Kurt Cobain, who ended his life by suicide, as his inspiration for Hamlet."
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"Macbeth", 2006.
An analysis of the main character in Shakespeare's "Macbeth".
800 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the tragic character of Macbeth in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth". The paper discusses how, true to Shakespearean tragedy, the character's downfall stems from his own actions. The paper examines Macbeth's murder of King Duncan and his role in instigating the demise of both Banquo and Fleance, as well as eventually engineering the deaths of Lady Macduff and her son. The paper also discusses the play's atypical elements in Shakespeare's tragedy formula -- such as the fact that Macbeth is more villain than hero in comparison to other well-known tragic characters. However, the paper concludes that since there is resolution for the survivors after Macbeth's death, the reader is truly able to see him as a tragic character.
From the Paper
"The reader detects a sense of urgency as the murders evolve - another characteristic of the tragic play. Macbeth is desperate to realize his ambition of becoming and remaining king. But his obsession drives him even further as he attempts to exterminate all those who might challenge or succeed him. Even as he proceeds down this ever-darkening course, Macbeth is aware that his flaw may prove fatal."
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?Othello?, 2006.
An analysis of Shakespeare's play "Othello".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare, focusing on the main character of Othello and how he torments himself with the thought that Desdemona may be unfaithful. The paper focuses its analysis on two speeches in Act 3, Scene 3, which demonstrate how Othello has gone from confidence in Desdemona's love to suspicion that she is now unfaithful. The paper explores Iago's role in fostering Othello's jealousy and how he manipulates racial tension to accomplish his aims. The paper concludes that both Desdemona and Othello are tragic heroes because their fate is sealed despite their fine qualities. Desdemona is blind to what is happening around her, while Othello is blinded by his own insecurity. The play further asserts that the play has universal resonance because all human beings are subject to the feelings of jealousy and insecurity, and are easy prey to those who choose to manipulate them, like Iago did to Othello.
From the Paper
"Although the conventional belief is that Othello is about jealousy, some scholars believe that jealousy is merely the lynchpin upon which Iago's hatred is transferred to Othello. In the middle of Iago's speech there is a line that is designed to undermine Othello's innate self confidence in a particularly repulsive way: "One may smell in such a will most rank,/ Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural." (248-249) He has skillfully introduced into Othello's consciousness the disgust some feel for a person of another race."
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Shakespeare and Galileo, 2006.
A look at the shared era of William Shakespeare and Galileo Galelei, the lasting influence of these two men and what they would have thought of each other.
1,235 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the work of William Shakespeare and Galileo Galelei and how their work contributed to the advancement of civilization. The paper also looks at how these men might have viewed one another and what they might have said to one another had they ever had the opportunity to meet. The paper points out that, while Galileo's work may have more relevance to today's world than Shakespeare's work, both men, in their own way, furthered civilization's thirst for truth and knowledge, as well as for entertainment and discovery.
From the Paper
"One has to remember that France was, intellectually, far ahead of England, which would produce the plays of Racine, Moliere and Corneille already being popular- plays which not only criticized some of the manners of the people, but hinted at some revolutionary ideas about the class structure. England had Chaucer, of course, and would be blessed with Milton, one of its greatest poets, Samuel Butler, John Bunyan (among others)and John Dryden, while playwrights prior to Shakespeare included William Wycherly, John Gay (of Beggar's opera fame). The fact is, the humanities were beginning to be part of everyday life. In fact, it was 1685 before the public saw the "Fourth Folio of Shakespeare's works" (Grun Not paginated)."
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Hamlet as Procrastinator, 2006.
An analysis of the character of William Shakespeare's Hamlet and how his tendency to procrastinate cost him his life.
2,530 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper examines and analyzes the character of Hamlet, explaining that he may be one of the most famous procrastinators in the history of literature. The paper points out that this trait is possibly one of the reasons that the play has maintained its popularity over the ages and that it is a trait with which we can all readily identify. The paper analyzes this trait in Hamlet and how it impacts the audience as well as the character and outcome of the play.
From the Paper
"He may be one of the most famous procrastinators in the history of literature. Many writers, students, scholars, actors, directors through the ages have pondered this trait. Perhaps the vein of procrastination that courses through Hamlet is one key reason why it remains so popular in film on stage and as the written word. We can all identify with
putting off doing things we know we should. Thinking too much is usually an ineffective goal-oriented strategy but a wonderful time waster! Here are just two examples through his dialogue that Hamlet seems entranced with procrastination and its offshoots - similar behaviors and/or
character traits)."
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Hamlet and the Gravediggers, 2005.
This paper discusses the final act of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" about gravediggers and views on death.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, at the beginning of the final act of "Hamlet", William Shakespeare foreshadows the bloody and carnage-filled conclusion to this tragedy by introducing views concerning the inevitability and finality of death through the dialogue between Hamlet and the two gravediggers. The author points out that, as Hamlet ponders the past profession of a skull, which has been carelessly tossed out of its grave, he is forced to realize that in death there is no social distinction. The paper concludes that, through Hamlet's reversal of opinion about the desirability of death and the discussion with the gravediggers, Shakespeare, who is readying the audience for the slaughter that is soon to commence, uses the scene as a means of commenting on his perception of death, the only lasting condition and the oldest profession.
From the Paper
"With the new light shed upon the dark subject of death, Hamlet forces himself to reevaluate his death wishes. Through out the play, Hamlet sees death as a desirable end, worrying only about where his soul would go if he were to commit self-slaughter. At the height of his misery, he makes known his yearnings, exclaiming "O, that this too too sullied flesh would melt..." (1-2-129). It is clear that his coveted will is for a quick demise. Hamlet explains this further when he reveals his belief that his life is useless. After promising to bend his eye away from Wittneberg and towards Elsinore, Hamlet states "How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable/Seem to me all the uses of the world!" (1.2.133-134)."
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Kenneth Branagh's Version of "Much Ado About Nothing", 2006.
An analysis of Kenneth Branagh's film adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing".
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and summarizes the plot and characters in the film adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". The paper also explains the play's theme that something so innocent can be quickly turned into woe by deceivers.
From the Paper
"The idyllic scene contrasts sharply with the next scene, where the MEN enter, galloping atop of fierce, snorting steeds that thunder down the hill side, the men sweaty, disheveled uniforms sport triumphant smiles or stern determined gazes, as the prince's army returns from a successful battle. Pure animal testorone, in the most positive sense, that gets the blood circulating and makes the women swoon, even in this day."
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Characterization in Shakespeare?s "Macbeth", 2006.
This paper details the three aspects of the title character's personality which eventually leads to his downfall in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth."
702 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and analyzes William Shakespeare's cleverly written "Macbeth" while focusing on the three aspects of the title character's personality that leads to his eventual downfall. The three character traits detailed in this paper are: Pride, tyranny and envy. By describing the title character as a proud warrior, tyrannical leader and envious man, Shakespeare proves Macbeth's actions as not only believable but also understandable.
From the Paper
"The first personality trait that Shakespeare reveals in Macbeth is pride. It is evident at the beginning of the play that the citizens of England regard Macbeth as a fearless fighter. While this is often a good trait, it leads to his downfall in two ways. First, Lady Macbeth is able to use his pride to coerce him into killing Duncan: "When you durst do it, then you were a man:/And to be more than what you were, you would/Be so much more the man." (I,vii,49-51). Lady Macbeth knows that pride is one of Macbeth's weaknesses, and she exploits it well. Macbeth's pride again gets the better of him when the witches tell him his fate for the second time. When Macbeth hears that he will be safe until the Birnam Wood rises up against him, his pride overcomes him, and he is not as suspicious as he should be: "That will never be./Who can impress the forest, bid the tree/Unfix his earth-bound root? Sweet bodements, good!" (IV,i,94-96). Macbeth's pride leads him to overconfidence, which leads to his downfall."
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"Hamlet", 2006.
Examines the revenge play within William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 41.95
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Abstract
Perhaps the most significant scene in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet "is the revenge play, portraying the death of King Gonzago that is acted out inside the actual play itself. The paper shows that the importance of this play entitled 'The Murder of Gonzago', lies in the alterations imposed upon by Hamlet. Hamlet changes the framework of this play in a ruse that he hopes will tell him of the true cause of his father's death
From the Paper
"Hamlet makes clear the importance of the intensity of the dramatic scenes when parleying with the players, as well as in his single dialogue. He fears that if the play were carried out like a typical revenge play, then his uncle will not be affected enough to show his guilt with his own eyes."
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Jealous Loves, 2006.
A study of "Othello" by William Shakespeare and "'Tis Pity She's a Whore" by John Ford.
1,426 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that marriage creates a social bond between two families, connecting them, perhaps, for generations. It explains that this can be a cause of celebration, but it can also cause strife and conflict. The paper explains that this strife and conflict is one of the reasons why marriage and family relations are such popular plots for theater. The paper explains that when two people from divergent backgrounds marry, that the social ramifications must inevitably be dealt with. The writer states that in both the plays, "Othello" and "'Tis Pity She's a Whore", both central characters are hindered by the unusual social presentations of their relationships, both are driven by insecurity and jealousy and both end their unions with the killing of their mates. The writer posits that these jealous acts are the result of the conflicts that occur when the perceived social norm has been broken, and the insecurity of being a unique couple floats to the surface and becomes a reality. In conclusion, the writer questions whether without the influences from outside these relationships to send the lovers to their doom, could they have become accepted couples given their historical period?
From the Paper
"Each relationship, similarly, crumbles. The end problem with each, then, is never a direct result of moral or social implications in and of themselves. The end is two men driven by jealous drives. The continuous references to the social obstacles throughout each of these plays does nothing to refute the idea that these conditions play a major part in the way these characters react to one another. In the case of both incest and interracial marriage, the strife that is caused is the reaction of the outside social influences on the characters. From these unusual loves, unusual problems have arisen. This is, perhaps, the reason why these types of relationships still remain fodder for human interest and theatrical interpretation, as in more recent plays such as Seth Zui Rosenfeld's Servi and Bernice 4-Eva, and Sam Shepard's Fool for Love. The topics remain of interest because the conflicts remain interesting, and, perhaps, still very much on the edge."
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