Hegemony is everything - The Tempest.

Jermaine Johnson English 155c Due: September 25, 2003 Hegemony is everything In the Tempest Shakespeare gives the reader his typical romance. As in any good romance you have heroes and villains, and with Shakespeare characters can reveal both roles. In the case of Gonzalo, the councilor to the king (Ferdinand), the reader is introduced to one of the few well-tempered, good-hearted characters in the story. He's loyal, optimistic and has no apparent dark side in him. His good nature is made most apparent in his description of an ideal commonwealth. As in most commonwealths, it had its apparent advantages, but most would argue that the disadvantages supersede the positives. This paper will suggest that regardless of the advantages or disadvantages of Gonzalo's commonwealth, its purpose was to show what the island could have been possible without the struggle for hegemony, and more importantly how that struggle for hegemony parallel's Shakespeare's society, and society today. The advantages of Gonzalo's commonwealth are multiple in my eyes. The island as the reader knows it is filled with people who do not want to be there. Gonzalo, in his optimistic nature, describes a way to make a commonwealth that would accentuate the positives of the situation. In his commonwealth, society would be completely opposite to the way they knew it, and quite frankly the way society

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  • Subject: Linguistics, Classics and related subjects
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Discuss the representation of religious and racial differences in 'Othello' and 'The Jew of Malta'.

Discuss the representation of religious and racial differences in 'Othello' and 'The Jew of Malta'. Religion and race are both familiar themes in Elizabethan literature; Shakespeare and Marlowe among other playwrights included many characters of different races and religions throughout their theatrical work. In this essay I will attempt to explore the idea of representation of race and religion in two of the set plays. The plays I am studying are 'Othello', by William Shakespeare and 'The Jew of Malta' by Christopher Marlowe. I intend to look at the representation of race in 'Othello' and the problems it poses for the characters and how Othello is perceived because of his race and I will also look at the representation of Barabas's religion in 'The Jew of Malta' how he is portrayed as a Jew and how the other characters are portrayed in opposition to him. 'Othello' was written between 1601 and 1604; it was first performed in 1604 and first published in Quarto form in 1622. It was not the first play to portray a black character, Shakespeare wrote Aaron, an evil Moor, into Titus Andronicus. Moor's were not uncommon in Britain at the time of the play but they were still seen as second class citizens. 'The Jew of Malta' was written between 1589 and 1591 and first published in 1633. Jews were common in Renaissance literature, often to portray villains, as Jews were not well liked

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Linguistics, Classics and related subjects
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Othello as a Tragic Hero.

Othello as a Tragic Hero Ever since it's definition by Aristotle as early as 250 B.C., the medium of tragedy is prominent throughout the course of classical literature and can be seen as a traditional hallmark of many great works produced over the centuries. Among other mediums such as comedy and chronicle, tragedy is diversely shown across the literary spectrum ranging from Sophocles' Oedipus Rex to Elizabethan theater as portrayed in plays such as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. Simply defined, tragedy always entails the death of the protagonist. As a common standard in tragedy, the protagonist, or "tragic hero" is of high standing who is faced with some opposing force whether internal or external. "Tragedy is the imitation of an action; and an action implies personal agents, who necessarily possess certain distinctive qualities both of character and thought; for it is by these that we qualify actions themselves, and these- thought and character- are the two natural causes from which actions spring, and on actions, again all success or failure depends...." This excerpt from Aristotle's Poetics illustrates an aspect of tragedy upon which many works, including Shakespeare's Othello, are based. In Poetics, Aristotle expresses the writer's obligation to create what is known as a "tragic hero" in all forms of tragedy. He further explains that this persona must be dominated by a

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Shakespeare seems to suggest that Duncan's acquiescent and innocent nature and Macbeth's extreme violence make ineffective leaders. An ideal leader on the other hand, has a balance between the "king-becoming graces" and necessary violence.

Shakespeare seems to suggest that Duncan's acquiescent and innocent nature and Macbeth's extreme violence make ineffective leaders. An ideal leader on the other hand, has a balance between the "king-becoming graces" and necessary violence. Duncan, the beloved and respected king of Scotland whom Macbeth murders in order to become king is the model of a virtuous and benevolent ruler. His death symbolizes the destruction of the great chain of being (http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/canalysis.html). He however is not an effective leader. His over trusting and gullible nature prevents him of seeing what was bound to happen. His tendency to make snap decisions is his hamartia, which leads to his downfall. After he is informed of Macbeth's victory in battle he rewards him with the title, "thane of Cawdor" without realizing that he is an ambitious person who is willing to destroy anything on his path to get what he desires. Macbeth started out as a good leader and seemed to be worthy of the title, "thane of Cawdor." According to the bloody sergeant, he bravely fought against Macdonwald, the rebel and the Norwegians. He was referred to as "valiant cousin" and "worthy gentleman" (1.2 24). During act 2 however, Macbeth looses his values as a good leader and becomes a ruthless murderer, going on a massive killing spree. A true king, according to Malcolm should be able to

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To what extent does Aristophanes attempt to convey a serious political message to his audience in The Frogs?

Aristophanes' Frogs - Homework Essay ). To what extent does Aristophanes attempt to convey a serious political message to his audience in The Frogs? As Aeschylus says in the play Frogs, "Schoolboys have a master to teach them, grown-ups have the poets." This seems to me to be a very good comment, because everybody likes to learn and I think that is why Aristophanes work in general was so popular and especially Frogs because the play teaches the audience. There are two main themes in the play, the first one being "the role of the poet in Greek society." Aristophanes has Aeschylus ask Euripides what makes a good poet? The reply is "technical skill - and he should teach a lesson, make people into better citizens," and this is exactly what Aristophanes is doing with this poem but also adding a great deal of humour into it. Aeschylus also says that the really good poets have had useful lessons to teach e.g. Musaeus (medicine), Hesiod (agriculture) and of course Homer (the arts of warfare). The main serious theme is Aristophanes continuation of his campaign for peace; he attacks the current politicians who rejected the offer of peace made by the Spartans after the battle of Arginusae in 406 BC (Cleophon and Cleigenes). On page 181, when the chorus address the audience in the second parabasis, they say "here sit ten thousand men of sense, a very enlightened audience," this

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Death of a salesman

How can this play said to be about fathers and sons? In this play there are various relationships between father and son. As the writer, Arthur miller was Jewish himself the importance of the relationships between father and son are dominating in this play. One of the father and son relationships which are linked into this play is the relationship between Willy and his father, or, the lack of relationship. As we first find out on page 31 during one of Willy's flashbacks with his brother Ben, Willy asks Ben 'Where is dad?' This shows the audience of Willy's need to have a father figure there to guide him. As he had grown up with the absence of his father, when Willy tells Ben 'I still feel kind of temporary about myself' (page 35) this suggests to the audience that the non-existence of his father is the source of Willy's failure. Without a father present, Willy is not sure on how to bring 'his boys' up. When they were younger he believed that the key to success was to be 'rugged, well - liked, all around' but, in contrast we find out that this has not helped them during later life. As Willy had grown up without a father, for him, Ben took the place of a 'father figure', conversely Ben never seems to guide Willy or answer any of Willy's questions, 'What's the answer? How did you do it?' Ben replies with 'Oh, there's a story in that.' He never seems to give any support or

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Death of a Salesman.

Death of a Salesman 'The American Dream´ is based on the 'Declaration of Independence´: 'We believe that all men are born with these inalienable rights - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.´ (Thomas Jefferson, 1776). This 'dream´ consists of a genuine and determined belief that in America, all things are possible to all men, regardless of birth or wealth; you work hard enough you will achieve anything. However, Miller says people have been 'ultimately misguided´. The origins of the American Dream seem to have been rooted in the pioneering mentality of the 18th and 19th century immigrants, most of whom came to America because of a promise of a new and better life. In particular, the opportunity to own one´s land. But land 'ran out´ and so cities developed and massive variations arose in wealth, which meant that this 'American Dream´ changed from being a potential reality, into being a dream, like the name implies. Most of Miller´s plays are directly or indirectly about the American Dream, because ultimately this dream wasn´t going to succeed as lots of people wished. 'Death of a Salesman´ written in 1949, is a moving destruction of the whole myth. To be hard working, honest and have ambition were the ways of the American Dream. This lead onto success, wealth and in due time - power. But this dream for everyone developed, and encouraged greed, selfish

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Linguistics, Classics and related subjects
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Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

In Act 1, Maggie says, " I'm not living with you, we occupy the same cage!" Basing your answer on Act 1, explain what you understand by this statement. The play "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is a play written in three acts by Tennessee Williams which focuses on the seemingly dysfunctional relationship between the two main characters Maggie and Brick. The first act begins with Brick in the shower; he appears unable to hear or communicate with Maggie as she frequently tries to shout over the noise of the water to her husband. This I feel symbolises their relationship. Brick seems to make no effort to talk back and is "without interest" to communicate with Maggie; he seems as cold as the water of his shower. This contrasts with Maggie who makes the only sustained contribution to their conversation, in an attempt to save their crumbling relationship "shouting above the roar of the water". Maggie also drops in complimentary phrases into the conversation such as "honey" or "baby" in an attempt to gain a reply, with some emotion from Brick. However this has no effect, as not only are Brick's replies short and emotionless, they are pernickety, and force Maggie to explain and justify everything. More than often Brick answers with pointless expressions such as "why d'ya?" or "Don't they?" which frustrates Maggie even more causing her sometimes to snap at Brick. In the first act we

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"Compare Luhrmann's and Shakespeare's versions of the last scene- the death of Romeo and Juliet. How do both versions create tension and sympathy in the audience?"

"Compare Luhrmann's and Shakespeare's versions of the last scene- the death of Romeo and Juliet. How do both versions create tension and sympathy in the audience?" The two versions are very different because of the huge time differences and how Shakespeare had to use his imagination to create atmosphere rather than relaying on modern media techniques such as lighting, sounds and special effects. The main characters in Shakespeare's version of Romeo and Juliet in the last scene are Paris, Balthazar, Romeo, Juliet and Friar Lawrence. In Baz Luhrmann's version of Romeo and Juliet he misses out scenes, which were originally in Shakespeare's version. Baz Luhrmann misses out vital scenes, for example when Paris and Romeo have a fight. This scene was the original from Shakespeare's version of the play. The fight scene between Romeo and Paris was essential because it tells us what Romeo encountered before he got to Juliet and where she was laying. "I do defy thy conjuration and apprehend thee for a felon here." Another important character is Friar Lawrence he went to the tomb and found Romeo dead, Friar Lawrence was also there when Juliet was waking up from her deep sleep. "Romeo! O, pale! Who else? What, Paris too? And steeped in blood? Ah, what an unkind hour is guilty of this lamentable chance!" In Shakespeare's time there wasn't much in the way of technology, Shakespeare's time

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Linguistics, Classics and related subjects
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A View From The Bridge.

The A View From The Bridge 'A View From the Bridge' was written by Arthur Miller during the 1950's but was actually set in the '40's when Italy were waging war and currently suffering from a depression. This caused many Italians to immigrate to America and escape their homeland's demise. Many Italians living in the U.S.A felt secluded from the rest of the American society. The government then restricted the amount of migration which resulted in large quantities in illegal immigration from Italy. The play begins with Alfieri, an Italian American lawyer introducing the story of Eddie Carbone. Beatrice, wife of Eddie is informed that her Italian cousins, Marco and Rodolpho will be arriving at their house that night. Eddie and Beatrice plan to hide Marco and Rodolpho while they work in America illegally to send money home. Rodolpho and Marco arrive and soon settle in. After a few weeks, Rodolpho and Catherine, Beatrice's niece become very close much to the dislike of Eddie when he, Eddie is very authoritative towards her and meticulous to almost every move she makes. This is shown during the opening conversation with her. He talks solely about her appearance. He doesn't want her to start work, he doesn't like the dress she wears which is too "revealing" and resents the way she walks calling it "wavy" amongst other things. As the play progresses his actions can be shown in an

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Linguistics, Classics and related subjects
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