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Shakespeare?s ?Hamlet?, 2004.
This paper discusses different, critical, contemporary, philosophical, and psychological approaches to interpreting the central themes in Shakespeare?s ?Hamlet?.
1,330 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in the last forty years, criticism of ?Hamlet? has moved from seeing the play as being focused on the central figure of Hamlet to seeing the play as a tragedy of the human condition. The author points out that the figure of Hamlet is used as a means to debate a diverse range of views from Freudian theories of the repressed subconscious to existential anxiety in society. The paper relates that the existential interpretations of the play tend to observe the character of Hamlet in a broader light as a symbol of the search for meaning.
From the Paper
"Modernism was essentially a questioning of established views of human nature and society. The contemporary correspondences of Hamlet?s questioning of the authority structure of his world were not lost on many artists and theorists. Hamlet?s crisis of faith and interrogation of self is also a prominent aspect that is explored in many critical works. The philosophy of existentialism, which emerged in the early twentieth century, was a philosophy that saw the individual as isolated and in search of meaning. Hamlet is the archetypal figure, having been ?displaced?, is searching for a sense of his own purposes and value in a world that has become meaningless."
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"Othello" and "Macbeth", 2004.
A discussion of the power of the language used in Shakespeare's plays, "Othello" and "Macbeth".
10,966 words (approx. 43.9 pages), 23 sources, MLA, $ 216.95
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Abstract
The writer examines the power of language in showing cause and effect in literature. For example, the writer shows how, through silence, Shakespeare is able to portray just as much, and sometimes more, than during dialogue. The paper includes many direct quotes from both plays.
Contents
Language and Power in Othello
Iago and the Addiction of Equivocation
Othello: Contagious Profanity and Failing Syntax
Speech, Paradox, and Fleeing Destiny/Identity
Conclusion on Othello
Magic Words and the Equivocation of Witchery
The Characterization of Macbeth: The Contagion of Power and Prophesy
Language and Prophecy in Macbeth
Lady Macbeth: Language for Self-definition and Self-destruction
Conclusion on Macbeth
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Othello and Macbeth stand out as two important works among a small handful of Shakespeare?s best plays. They have remained among the most popular and powerful of his works in no small part because of their profound emotional content and strong dramatic story. In these works, as in Hamlet or King Lear, Shakespeare seems to transcend the merely theatrical, presenting his audience with a work of such mythical intensity that one might almost consider it revelation. In Shakespeare?s finest works, one has a sense of mythological import -- it is for this reason that subsequent generations of writers have held Shakespearian allusions on par with references to ancient Grecian mythologies or even biblical symbolism, and that his work has truly shaped the course of literature since his time."
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Misogyny in ?Hamlet?, 2004.
An analysis of the misogynistic tendencies of the male characters in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,989 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, within nearly all of the historical and current critical scholarship of Shakespeare?s "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark", there is some emphasis on the misogynistic tendencies of the male characters, and specifically of Hamlet himself. It looks at how Prince Hamlet holds a special kind of prejudice against women and how he is given to the misogyny of a young man who has been mortally betrayed by his mother and, to some degree, his whole society. It attempts to show how his desperation and his anger toward the whole societal standard of gaining through marriage is evident throughout the work, and how title, power, and wealth are gained and exchanged through a system of intrigue that is determined through marriage, lust, and even murder.
From the Paper
"It goes without saying that Hamlet feels inextricably connected to his treacherous mother. He is painfully aware of his own love for her and his desire to please her and at the same time is convinced, more boldly that she deserves only betrayal and hatred, in kind. He rejects her sexual advances through clenched teeth, angry with himself for wishing for the comfort of her body/approval/alliance, and burned by her chameleon nature. As he is aware that if he does not ally with her she will offer herself to the next person available to shield her from her crimes. He foretells his own death, as he contends with his connection to the treachery of his mother towards his father."
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The Rise and Defeat of Power of "Macbeth", 2004.
An analysis of the line, ?Fair is foul and foul is fair?, from William Shakespeare's "Macbeth".
824 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the oft-repeated and most popular line in the play Macbeth, ?Fair is foul, and foul is fair,? is the playful chant of the three witches predicting the fate of Macbeth, as he rises and falls to power because of his greed and treachery. It looks at how this line in the play embodies the wholeness of Macbeth?s demise, where his actions, which eventually led to his downfall, are characterized as a set of conflicting acts that bring about victory and defeat in his pursuit to become the king of Scotland. It also discusses how the role of paradox, that is, self-contradicting meanings, determines the behavior and actions of the main character in the play, Macbeth.
From the Paper
"It can be noted that the line, ?Fair is foul and foul is fair,? is a two-fold statement, illustrating the rise and defeat in power of Macbeth. The first meaning of the statement, ?fair is foul,? is construed to illustrate Macbeth?s rise to power, as the Three Witches prophesied that he would become Thane of Cawdor, and eventually, King of Scotland. The second part of the statement, ?foul is fair,? predicts the defeat of Macbeth in the end, when Macduff and Malcolm?s forces curb his tyrannical rule. In addition to these meanings, the statement also provides an analysis of the powerful role Fate plays in the lives of the characters in Macbeth. Thus, ?fair is foul? may be meant by the Three Witches as the future of Macbeth as determined by Fate; it is vital that Fate is best left alone to fulfill its designs than be interfered with human actions."
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Concepts in Tragedy, 2004.
A comparative analysis of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the plays, "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare and "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles. Specifically, it quotes passages that show the fatal mistakes of Hamlet and Oedipus and explains why you would have compassion or condemnation for it. It looks at how both plays illustrate tragic heroes at their best and how both plays illustrate how character flaws can lead to the downfall of everyday men who give in to their flaws rather than overcome them.
From the Paper
"In "Oedipus," the same rule of the tragic hero applies, it is one of the most enduring tragedies of all time, and many believe it is the model for all tragedies that came after it. Oedipus suffers from a tragic flaw that is his undoing, too. Oedipus is rash and impetuous, and he often acts before he thinks, and others see this too. The prophet says, "That's your truth? Hear mine: I say honor the curse your own mouth spoke. From today, don't you speak to me, or to your people here. You are the plague. You ruin your own land" (Sophocles, ). Oedipus' tragic flaw is his rashness, such as when he kills his father on the road, but he is also immensely prideful, and this character flaw also adds to his downfall."
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"The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice", 2004.
Summary and review of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, "Othello".
1,031 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper gives background information on Shakespeare's play, "Othello", and then summarizes its plot. The paper also describes the main characters in the play and then uses quotations made by each of the described characters to support the descriptions.
From the Paper
"The play takes place against the backdrop of the wars between Venice and Turkey during the late sixteenth century. The setting for most of the action is Cyprus, which was a Venetian outpost attacked and eventually conquered by the Turks in 1570. According to the sixth addition of the Colombia Encyclopedia, most of the information derived by Shakespeare about the Venetian-Turkish conflict was derived from ?The History of the Turks? by Richard Knolles, published in England in 1603. Additionally, Shakespeare is said to have derived material for his play from an Italian tale written by Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinzio in 1565. The original story contains the bare bones of Shakespeare's plot wherein a Moorish general is tricked by his ensign into thinking that his wife is adulterous. Shakespeare added supporting characters to Cinzio's such as the rich young fool Roderigo and the livid and broken hearted Brabanzio, who is Desdemona's father."
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Shakespeare?s ?Hamlet?, 2004.
This paper discusses Shakespeare?s ?Hamlet?, based on Machiavelli?s ?The Prince?.
995 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the story of ?Hamlet? illustrates Machiavelli's ?The Prince?, as Hamlet is a good character; with this goodness, becoming a downfall because he cannot make the rational decision not to be good, even when he knows that not being good is required. The author points out that the soliloquy, ?To be, or not to be?, refers to Hamlet?s decision whether to commit murder, with that evil act actually ending the troubles, or whether to be good and not commit murder, with that meaning that the trouble will continue. The paper concludes that, in the end, it is Hamlet?s inability to make a decision that leads to his downfall.
From the Paper
"Hamlet?s state of indecision then only ends when Hamlet is angered by his belief that Claudius is spying on him. It is in his anger that Hamlet makes the snap decision to kill Claudius. However, Hamlet mistakes Claudius for Polonius, and so kills Polonius instead. This is the turning point of the play that leads to the tragic ending. The important point about Hamlet?s decision to kill Claudius is that he does not really make the rational decision. Instead, his decision is only made when he is angered enough that his rational good side is overcome by his irrational side."
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Myths: ?The Other Side of Wonder?, 2002.
This paper seeks a definition of ?myth? by examining many sources, especially Shakespeare?s ?King Lear? and Melville?s "Moby Dick".
1,290 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper selects the best definition of myth as the traditional tale common to the members of a tribe, race, or nation, usually involving the supernatural and serving to explain some natural phenomena. The author points out that the stories of King Lear and of Ahab in ?Moby Dick? provide opportunities for lessons on individualism, pride, social conformity, group cooperation, and, most importantly, sublimation of pride, desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement. The paper concludes that myths are vehicles for lessons on moral values, respect for others, self-discipline, curbing of anti-social behavior, and stabilizing the social situation.
From the Paper
"Let?s go into more thoughtful and more acceptable provocation. How is the myth exemplified, for instance in King Lear of Shakespeare? It is an accepted fact that tragic heroes have tragic flaws. It is their tragic flaw, which lead to their destruction. King Lear?s tragic flaws are his vanity and his allowing himself to be deluded by the flatteries and lies of his daughters Goneril and Reagan4. He believes himself to be a ?compleat father? which he is not and so he deludes himself into believing Goneril?s and Reagan?s protestations of love and affection for him. Cordelia , the youngest daughter, will not fawn at her father?s feet and be rewarded by a gift of property. To her it was like equating love with an award. Besides, she knew that her sisters were not telling the truth. Their protestations are mythical ? untruths."
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Shakespeare's "As You Like It", 2004.
Analyzes the themes and characters in William Shakespeare's play, "As You Like It".
1,576 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the conflict, contrast, and contradiction in "As You Like It", as well as its host of colorful characters. The main theme of disguise is discussed in detail, and a summary of the play's plot with examples illustrating the main is provided.
From the Paper
"The central theme of disguise makes its way into this early scene in the play, too. Orlando, Oliver?s younger brother and surprise victor in the wrestling match, fights under a false identity. The wrestling scene therefore contains elements of disguise and of excitement, which both continue throughout the play. Moreover, the figure of Touchstone the Jester adds the necessary color and confusion that also characterizes As You Like It."
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Comedy in ?King Lear?, 2004.
Examines elements of comedy in William Shakespeare's tragic play.
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
On its surface, "King Lear" by William Shakespeare, stands as an excellent example of one of his tragedies and, in certain senses, it is the most obviously ?classical? of Shakespeare's plays in terms of tragedy. This paper examines how there can be room for comedy in the play and shows how Shakespeare blends the two elements of tragedy and comedy successfully throughout the text. The paper also borrows examples from several of Shakespeare's other plays to illustrate this blending of concepts.
From the Paper
"Indeed, at this moment, King Lear comes to realize for the first time the folly of his policy and the treachery of his daughters and in this moment, we, as an audience might begin to have some sympathy for his earnest expression of grief. The Fool, however, responds to Lear?s heartfelt outpouring with a witty remark that provokes laughter rather than sympathy, creating a strange moment for the viewer who is caught between the depths of Lear?s suffering and the hysterics of The Fool?s remark:"
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