912 words

Historical attitudes toward youth and authority in "Thank You, Ma'm"

Thank You, Ma'm by Langston Hughes (1902-1967) represents a time period of American social culture characterized by different attitudes, language, and values than those prevailing in contemporary American society.

~5 min read

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370 words

Psychological and physical anticipation before riding a roller coaster

For me, the experience of riding a roller coaster begins long before the actual ride itself. My adrenalin begins to flow on the walk through the amusement park toward the ride.

~2 min read

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343 words

Distinguishing skepticism and cynicism as critical perspectives

Skepticism is a critical point-of-view that rejects any untested conclusions. The skeptic is open to any argument but requires specific proof of any claim before accepting it on suggestion. Skepticism is fundamentally incompatible with a-priori claims, argument, or suggestions.

~2 min read

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840 words

Jonathan Swift's satire and post-9/11 security policy expansion

This nation's lead position in the global War on Terror makes it the premier target for the inevitable projection of international terror on its citizens and sovereign territories.

~5 min read

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580 words

Writing advice for college freshmen: developing self-expression and skills

The first year of college; a flurry of overwhelming and unfamiliar responsibilities coupled with the first true experiences of higher education and self-exploration.

~3 min read

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885 words

Artistic disintegration and passion in Mann's "Death in Venice"

Both the stories of "The Dead" and "Death in Venice" relates the story of death in a context.

~5 min read

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931 words

Interpersonal conflict and religious hypocrisy in Molière's Tartuffe

Troding on Toes: Interpersonal Conflict in Moliere's Tartuffe. At the quote "How dare you even hinder or annoy, when I've the means to ruin and destroy.

~5 min read

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967 words

Violence as allegory in Faulkner and Oates' short stories

The two short stories, Faulkner's a Rose for Emily and Oates' Where are you Going, Where have you Been? both deal with a common theme of violence.

~5 min read

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915 words

Hypocrisy and corruption in Elizabethan and Jacobean literature

Elizabeth I's "Golden Speech" unwittingly defines the age in which she ruled -- and it defines it just as the Pharisees defined the Jewish opposition to Christ: by hypocrisy.

~5 min read

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606 words

The concept of mockingbirds in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird

According to the Southern attorney Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, a 'mockingbird' is a creature that simply gives pleasure to others, and does no harm. To kill a mockingbird is a great sin, given the gentleness and kindness of this creature.

~4 min read

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