Research Papers on Shakespeare

Click on any of the research paper to read a brief synopsis of the paper. The essay synopsis includes the number of pages and sources cited in the paper.

• Antony & Cleopatra
• As You Like It
• Comedy Of Errors
• Hamlet
• Henry IV V
• Julius Caesar
• King John
• King Lear
• Macbeth
• Measure For Measure
• Merchant Of Venice
• Much Ado About Nothing
• Midsummer Night's Dream
• Othello
• Richard II & III
• Romeo & Juliet
• Taming Of The Shrew
• The Tempest
• Timon Of Athens
• Tragedy Of Cymbeline
• Twelfth Night
• Two Gentlemen Of Verona
• Sonnets
• Other Plays
• Selected Comparisons
• All Shakespeare

 

Research Papers on Shakespeare

Click on any of the term papers to read a brief synopsis of the research paper. The essay synopsis includes the number of pages and sources cited in the paper.

• Jealousy in Othello

  A 3 page essay that discusses jealousy in Shakespeare's Othello. Jealousy, both professional jealousy and sexual jealousy, plays is the primary motivational force portrayed by Shakespeare in Othello. While Shakespeare focuses primarily on Othello's sexual jealousy as his motivation for the murder of his wife, Desdemona, behind Othello's actions are the manipulations of Iago, which are motivated by professional jealousy. In other words, throughout the play, in general, Shakespeare warns his audience against the insidiously evil effect of jealousy. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Jealousy in Othello

  A 3 page essay that discusses jealousy in Shakespeare's Othello. Jealousy, both professional jealousy and sexual jealousy, plays is the primary motivational force portrayed by Shakespeare in Othello. While Shakespeare focuses primarily on Othello's sexual jealousy as his motivation for the murder of his wife, Desdemona, behind Othello's actions are the manipulations of Iago, which are motivated by professional jealousy. In other words, throughout the play, in general, Shakespeare warns his audience against the insidiously evil effect of jealousy. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Shakespeare/Sonnet 73

  A 3 page explication of “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare. In addition to his plays, Williams Shakespeare is famous for his beautiful sonnets. In “Sonnet 73” Shakespeare presents three metaphors that collectively show his gradual acceptance of his progression towards death. Each metaphor illustrates his understanding and conceptualization of death, and culminates in an appeal that the recipient of the poem will allow this knowledge to make his love for the poet stronger as death will surely soon part them. No additional sources cited.

• ''The Phoenix and the Turtle' by William Shakespeare

  A 3 page paper which examines Shakespeare's poem "The Phoenix and the Turtle." Bibliography lists 4 sources.

• Shakespeare/My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun

  A 4 page essay that explicates this poem by discussing Shakespeare's satirical take on Petrarchan conventions. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• Hamlet by William Shakespeare and the Influence of Seneca

  This 3 page paper describes Seneca's influence on Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," with particular regard to revenge, supernatural happenings, and suicide. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• Shakespeare’s Influence in English Literature and Language

  This 10 page paper discusses Shakespeare’s influence on the English language and literature. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Romantic Love Psychology and William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

  This 3 page paper discusses the psychology of love using the classic tale Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Bibliography lists 1 source.

• Sexuality and the Sonnets of William Shakespeare

  This 13 page paper discusses Shakespeare's sonnets, specifically numbers 18 and 130, with regard to the sexuality found therein. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Research on Shakespeare’s Othello

  A 9 page paper which examines research on Shakespeare’s Othello. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

• Kingship and Leadership in Shakespeare’s Richard II

  A 4 page paper which examines how Shakespeare explores kingship and leadership in his play Richard II. No additional sources cited.

• Analysis of Hamlet

  A 6 page paper which analyzes various elements in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Recurring Imagery: Hamlet

  A 4 page paper which examines recurring imagery in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. No additional sources cited.

• Othello by William Shakespeare and Jealousy

  A 5 page paper which examines how Shakespeare treats the theme in one of his most famous tragedies. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

• Othello Themes

  A 7 page paper which examines the themes of betrayal, jealousy and tragedy in William Shakespeare’s Othello. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• Shakespeare: Sonnet 73

  This 4 page paper explicates and explains Shakespeare's Sonnet 73. Bibliography lists 1 source.

• Sonnets and Poems

  This 4 page paper discusses Sonnet 130 by Shakespeare and Robert Frost’s “Fire and Ice.” Bibliography lists 6 sources

• William Shakespeare's The Tempest and King Lear and Sibling Rivalry

  A 6 page paper which examines the theme of sibling rivalry in Shakespeare’s “King Lear” and “The Tempest.” Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

• The Poet’s Use of Shakespeare’s Themes in the Sonnets

  This 5 page paper uses three of Shakespeare’s sonnets to illustrate how the Poet / Narrator uses Shakespeare’s favorite themes (love, beauty, age) to construct his arguments. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• Racism in Othello

  A 10 page research paper/essay that explores how racism is an overt factor in Shakespeare's Othello. The writer argues that the Elizabethan cultural background necessarily informs and shapes the meaning of the play because Shakespeare would naturally have written within his own cultural framework. This examination of Othello explores this thesis and, in so doing, it takes a post-colonial approach to criticism as this literary theory encompasses how "knowledge of subordinate people is produced and used" (Post-colonialism). Bibliography lists 7 sources.

• Shakespeare/Sonnets 73 and 130

  A 3 page essay that analyzes these two sonnets. William Shakespeare is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest masters of the English language who ever lived. Examination of two of his sonnets, Sonnets 73 and 130, demonstrates this expertise in regards to Shakespeare's use of metaphor, alliteration, enjambment and imagery. No additional sources cited.

• Hamlet, Was He Insane?

  A 3 page essay that explores Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in order to answer the question of whether Hamlet was truly mad. The writer argues that Hamlet was not meant to be perceived as mad, that is, insane, but rather Shakespeare meant him to be perceived as melancholic (i.e., depressed), which the Elizabethans perceived as a character flaw. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• History Plays of William Shakespeare

  An 8 page research paper that discusses Shakespeare's ten history plays constitute a substantial portion of his canon. The main body of these plays cover the years 1398 to 1485, with two additional plays, King John and Henry VIII, forming, respectively, a prologue and an epilogue to this period (Sen Gupta 55). These eight plays offer a survey of English history that begins in the last years of the reign of Richard II and end with the death of Richard III. The following survey of Shakespeare's history plays looks at where they fit in the Shakespeare's conception of English history and their historical accuracy. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

• Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night/On Film

  A 7 page research paper/essay that discusses 2 film adaptations. While there are numerous film adaptations of Shakespeare’s tragedies, the Bard’s comedies have proven to be notoriously difficult to translate successfully to the screen (Crowl 69). However, Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing (1993) and Trevor Nunn’s Twelfth Night (1996) successfully overcome the challenges inherent in a film adaptation of a Shakespearean comedy, as both films were artistically and commercially successful. First of all, these films overcome the problems of translating the plays from the restrictive confines of the stage to the visual options available in film. They also combine aspects of Hollywood storytelling and cinematic technique that are familiar to modern audiences with Shakespeare text and, thereby, imbue the classic plays with fresh energy and postmodern aesthetic. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Handkerchief Significance in William Shakespeare's Othello

  A 4 page essay that discusses the significance of the handkerchief in Shakespeare's Othello. In the history of the theater, the argument can easily be made that there has never been a prop as instrumental to the substance of a play as Desdemona's handkerchief is to the action of Shakespeare's Othello. This prop becomes symbolic to Othello of Desdemona's supposed infidelity, which is precisely what Iago intends. Iago's manipulation of the handkerchief provides Othello's military mind with his supposed "proof" of Desdemona's betrayal and precipitates Othello's tragic subsequent actions. Examination of the play demonstrates the pivotal importance of this prop and how the action and the thematic substance hinge on this one image. No other sources cited.

• Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Subversiveness

  This 5 page report discusses the subversiveness of Shakespeare's "Macbeth." It has a great deal to say about the nature of how power was acquired in Shakespeare’s own time and what fatal outcomes could be the result of the search for power.

• Middle Ages Representation of Macbeth

  A 3 page research paper that examines Macbeth as representative of medieval reality. The writer examines the historical details of Duncan's death and Macbeth's usurpation, as well as the details of Celtic warfare that Shakespeare utilizes. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• William Shakespeare's Infamous Couple Lord and Lady Macbeth

  A 4 page essay that analyzes the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's classic play and argues that these characters are very much alike. The writer argues that an examination of the action demonstrates that Macbeth is just as ambitious as his wife, and also just as murderous. In other words, Macbeth and his lady are well matched and very much alike in their aspirations towards power. No additional sources cited.

• The Ambition of Lady Macbeth

  This 11 page paper examines Shakespeare's classic work. It is claimed that Lady Macbeth's ambitions take center stage as her husband is psychologically manipulated into committing a murder for the gain of the throne. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

• Dress as a Representation of Human Sexuality and Gender

  This 5 page paper discusses "Assaulted and Pursued Chastity" by Margaret Cavendish and "The Taming of the Shrew" by Shakespeare and how they use dress to represent human sexuality and gender relationships. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Comedy and Tragedy Distinctions in Measure for Measure and Hamlet by William Shakespeare

  In five pages this paper examines how the tragic elements of Hamlet distinguish it from Measure for Measure, one of William Shakespeare’s comedies. Four sources are listed in the bibliography.

• Character Greatness in the Tragedies of William Shakespeare

  This 5 page paper provides a look at Shakespeare's tragedies and how they demonstrate the greatness of the protagonists as opposed to merely displaying a good versus evil theme. Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Othello are used as examples. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• The Element of Tragedy as Presented in Literature

  In 7 pages, the author presents an argumentative essay in which it is argued that of the two plays, Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman,' and William Shakespeare's 'The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice,' the one that is more tragic is 'Death of a Salesman.' Bibliography lists 6 sources.

• Hamlet: Righteous or Unrighteous

  A 7 page paper which examines whether or not Shakespeare’s Hamlet is righteous or unrighteous. The paper focuses on how Hamlet is righteous. No additional sources cited.

• If Shakespeare Wrote Science Fiction, Ariel Would Use a Transporter

  This 4 page paper discusses five short science fiction stories and what it is about each of them that classifies them as being in that genre. It also suggests ways in which Shakespeare could use science fiction techniques and themes to rewrite his play “The Tempest” as a screenplay for Spielberg to direct. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Science Fiction Shakespeare

  This 4 page paper comprises a memo to Shakespeare suggesting he write a science fiction screenplay based on the character of Ariel in “The Tempest,” and then it discusses five stories and what makes them science fiction tales. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Historical Importance of William Shakespeare's Works

  A 10 page paper which examines Shakespeare’s life, his plays and sonnets, and the consequences of his life and work, including such evaluative criteria as description, definition, cause and effect, comparison/contrast, process and classification. Bibliography lists 15 sources.

• The Tempest as a Reflection of the Life and Times of William Shakespeare

  An 8 page paper which examines how “The Tempest” reflects Shakespeare’s life, specifically, in terms of people, events, places, prevalent social system, and educational opportunities. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

• Juliet's Images in Film Versions of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

  A 5 page essay that examines how two films, Zeffirelli (1968) and Luhrmann (1996), present Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, concentrating on the characterization of Juliet in the balcony scene. The writer argues that this characterization reflects on the status of women in society in general as a "temptress" of masculinity. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• Romeo's Character Development in William Shakespeare's Scene Changes in Romeo and Juliet

  In 6 pages, the author discusses how scene changes in 'The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare helped to develop Romeo's character. No other sources cited.

• Tragic Flaws in Prince Hamlet's Personality

  A 5 page research paper that investigates the personality of the Shakespeare's Danish prince and the tragic flaws that lead him to his destiny. The writer explores Hamlet's cynicism, his relationship to Claudius and Gertrude and others. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

• Stage and Screen Adaptations of Hamlet by William Shakespeare

  This 5 page report discusses Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and the statement made by Bert O. States that analogous techniques are at work in the art of the film director, for "Shakespearean cinematography makes use of the same device (as employed by film directors) for advancing character ambiguity by framing the character against the rhetorical sky of the play's world." Issues of location, whether expressionistic (as in Olivier's stage portrayal) or realistic (as in director Franco Zeffirelli's film version). Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Literature, Film, Identity, and Travel

  An 8 page research paper that examines the connection between travel and identity construction. The writer looks specifically at Shakespeare's The Tempest, Conrad's Heart of Darkness, and Coppola's Apocalypse Now. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

• The Use of Critical Sources in Understanding Works of Shakespeare

  In this 5 page essay, the writer recounts how remarkably important critical sources (i.e., books, articles, etc;) were in helping them to understand various plays of Shakespeare and truly appreciate them. The writer presents what they "got" from plays like Macbeth, Othello, & King Lear on their own, and then to what subtle points other authors helped them open their eyes. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

• The Element of Tragedy as Presented in Literature

  In 7 pages, the author presents an argumentative essay in which it is argued that of the two plays, Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman,' and William Shakespeare's 'The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice,' the one that is more tragic is 'Death of a Salesman.' Bibliography lists 6 sources.

• Rewriting History with William Shakespeare's 'Richard the Third'

  An 8 page paper which examines how Shakespeare’s Richard III rewrites history by portraying him as little more than a deformed and evil caricature despite his intelligence, cunning, and psychological astuteness. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

• Literature and Human Relationships

  This 5 page paper takes The Birds by Aristophanes, four Woody Allen films, and Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and finds common ground. Human relationships are the focus of this paper that highlights the use of comedy. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Suicide and the Symbolism in William Shakespeare's Hamlet

  This 5 page paper gives a brief synopsis of the play Hamlet by Shakespeare. Analyzed is the role of Ophelia and the symbolism of her character. Examples, citations and quotes offered. Bibliography lists 1 source.

• Hamlet and the Attractive Prospect of Suicide

  In eight pages this paper analyzes Hamlet’s attraction to suicide as a solution to his problems and how death is presented in imagery and in some of Prince’s soliloquies in William Shakespeare’s tragic play. Two sources are listed in the bibliography

• In Defense of Brutus

  A 3 page essay that is fashioned as if Brutus did not commit suicide, and the writer is offering a defense of his actions based on Shakespeare's play. No additional sources cited.

• Poetry and Time

  This 5 page paper contemplates essential life and death issues but focuses on time as a concept. Many poems are discussed including some of Shakespeare's works, Poe's "The Raven," Sir Walter Ralegh's "The Author's Epitaph, Made By Himself," and Keats's "On first looking into Chapman's Homer." Bibliography lists 1 source.

• Oedipus Complex and Hamlet: 'Love Thy Mother

  In five pages this paper examines Acts I through III of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the context of Ernest Jones’ essay ‘Hamlet’s Oedipus Complex.’ Two sources are listed in the bibliography.

• Comparative Analysis of Sonnet 23 and Sonnet 147 by William Shakespeare

  A 9 page essay that contrasts and compares Shakespeare's use of figuratively language in Sonnets 23 and 147. These sonnets focus on the dark side of love and the excruciating torment that it can bring when love is unrequited or undeserved. The writer also points out where the poems are different in context, as Sonnet 23 still holds out hope for the poet while Sonnet 147 contemplates the utter ruin of an affair. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• The Art of Indirection

  This 6 page paper compares Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 (“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun”) to John Donne’s poem “A Valediction Forbidding Mourning,” and argues that they are examples of the poet using indirect methods to make his point. It also argues that neither poem could be considered a traditional romantic effort. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• The Art of Indirection

  This 6 page paper compares Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 (“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun”) to John Donne’s poem “A Valediction Forbidding Mourning,” and argues that they are examples of the poet using indirect methods to make his point. It also argues that neither poem could be considered a traditional romantic effort. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• Langston Hughes/Critical Response to 2 Poems

  A 9 page research paper that discusses 2 poems by Langston Hughes (1902-1967), who has been termed the “Shakespeare of Harlem,” as he is credited with some of the finest poetry to emerge from that “great flowering of African-American literature known as the Harlem Renaissance” (Sundquist 55). Two of his poems, “Harlem,” which is also known under the title “Dream Deferred,” and “I, Too, Sing America” exemplify the radical protest spirit that characterizes a great deal of Hughes’ verse. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

• Disorder and the Chain of Being in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

  This is a 4 page paper that provides an overview of disorder in Shakespeare's "Macbeth". Text references suggest the theme of disorder in Macbeth's ascension and Lady Macbeth's madness. Bibliography lists 1 source.

• An Inductive Analysis of Macbeth: The Use of Paradoxical Language

  This is a 15 page paper that provides an overview of Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in I.v of Shakespeare's "Macbeth". The role of paradoxical language is analyzed for its thematic value. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Masking Characters Intentions in Act III

  In three pages this paper examines how masks of betrayal, falsehood, and concealment are worn by Banquo, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth throughout the third act of William Shakespeare’s tragic play. The bibliography lists no additional sources.

• Langston Hughes/Critical Response to 2 Poems

  A 9 page research paper that discusses 2 poems by Langston Hughes (1902-1967), who has been termed the “Shakespeare of Harlem,” as he is credited with some of the finest poetry to emerge from that “great flowering of African-American literature known as the Harlem Renaissance” (Sundquist 55). Two of his poems, “Harlem,” which is also known under the title “Dream Deferred,” and “I, Too, Sing America” exemplify the radical protest spirit that characterizes a great deal of Hughes’ verse. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

• William Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing and Issues of Gender and Loyalty

  A 6 page essay that argues that Shakespeare's portrayal of women in The Merchant of Venice and in Much Ado About Nothing shows that he considered women to be capable of showing intelligence and loyalty to equal any man. Beatrice through her loyalty to Hero and Portia in her dramatic defense of her husband's friend, Antonio, show that they possess intelligence, loyalty and courage equal, or superior, to the men in these plays, whom they overshadow in this regard. No additional sources cited.

• Hamlet & Oedipus

  A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares the characters of Hamlet and Oedipus. Despite being separated by the passage of centuries, as well as differences in language and culture, Sophocles’ portrayal of Oedipus and Shakespeare’s depiction of Hamlet bear similarities, as well as the innumerable differences that one would expect. The similarities revolve around themes common to both plays, such as incest and the use of symbolism, while the differences largely involve the specifics of characterization. No additional sources cited.

• The Power of Language in "The Tempest" and "The Birthday Party"

  This 3 page paper discusses the way Shakespeare and Pinter use language in their plays "The Tempest" and "The Birthday Party." Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• War and Propaganda

  This 6 page paper discusses the idea of political propaganda by leaders of countries. Two leaders, Henry V, as depicted in Shakespeare's play, and the administration of George W. Bush are exampled. In particular, the possibiliby of war with Iraq and the ramifications of the propaganda being used. This is compared to the way in which Henry used propaganda in his bid for the French throne. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• Romeo and Juliet

  A 5 page paper which examines Romeo and Juliet fro Shakespeare’s play in relationship to similarities and differences. The paper examines fate, foreshadowing and hate. No additional sources cited.

• Orchestral, Opera, and Dance Versions of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

  This 4 page report discusses three different versions of Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet.” Charles Gounod’s opera. Prokofiev’s ballet, and Tchaikovsky’s “Fantasy Overture on Romeo and Juliet” are compared in terms of their portrayal of two of the characters of the play. In this case, the couple chosen to be examined are also one of the most well-known literary couples in the world. No bibliography.

• Literary Self Determination in Women and Sexuality

  A 9 page paper showing the connection between these two issues, as demonstrated in the works of Aristophanes, Plato, Dante, and Shakespeare (Lysistrata, The Apology, The Inferno, and The Tempest, respectively). The paper asserts that Western literature first mocked or dismissed the sexual expression of female self-determination, later turned it into a sin, and finally transformed it into a social gaffe, but until recently still continued to maintain that its suppression was not wrong. Bibliography lists five sources.

• Musical Shakespeare

  A 5 page paper which examines the whether or not the musical works of Verdi's 'Macbeth' and 'Otello' ('Othello'), Mendelssohn's incidental music for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' Tchaikovsky's fantasy overture and incidental music for 'Hamlet,' and Cole Porter's 1948 musical, 'Kiss Me, Kate' (based on 'The Taming of the Shrew') capture the quality and mood of the Shakespeare plays which inspired them, or merely echo their plots. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

• Homosexuality and Friendships in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

  In four pages this paper discusses the relationships in Shakespeare’s comedy as a way of determining whether or not a homosexual component exists. Four sources are cited in the bibliography.

• If Shakespeare Wrote Science Fiction, Ariel Would Use a Transporter

  This 4 page paper discusses five short science fiction stories and what it is about each of them that classifies them as being in that genre. It also suggests ways in which Shakespeare could use science fiction techniques and themes to rewrite his play “The Tempest” as a screenplay for Spielberg to direct. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Freudian Psychology in D.C. Thomas' The White Hotel and William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

  An 8 page research paper that discusses the aspects of Freudian psychology in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream and D.C. Thomas' The White Hotel. The writer argues that Freud's theories play a major role in both works. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Hamlet: Sexuality, Anxiety, and Madness

  In three pages this paper discusses whether or not Hamlet was truly mad and also examines the sexuality and anxiety exhibited in Act I, Scene III of William Shakespeare' tragic play. Two sources are listed in the bibliography.

• Theme of Sexuality in Works by Sophocles, William Shakespeare, and Toni Morrison

  A 10 page essay that contrasts and compares Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, Shakespeare's Hamlet and Morrison's The Bluest Eye. The writer argues that while human society changes, human nature does not and that these works are remarkably consistent in the manner in which they present parental obligation and the hazards of coming of age. Examination of these works shows that each of these authors considers this period to be thwart with peril and that this is particularly true when parents abdicate their responsibility to oversee this process, which includes guiding and protecting their children. No additional sources cited.

• Derrida, Literature and “Midsummer Night’s Dream”

  This 10 page paper examines Derrida’s theory of literature and whether or not it is useful in teaching the subject; it also touches on how it might be applied to Shakespeare’s wonderful comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Renaissance Culture: Donatello, Michelangelo and Shakesepare

  A 5 page paper which examines what art and literature tells us about Renaissance culture. The works examined are Donatello’s St. George and David, Michelangelo’s David, and Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part One. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• 2 Questions on Great Literature and Its Practical Applications

  This 8 page paper answers two questions posed by a student. Within the answers, six pieces of literature are used: Sappho's The Moon, The Holy Bible, Shakespeare's As You Like It, Homer's Odyssey, Mahabharata and Gilgamesh. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

• Revenge as a Theme in Literature

  This 6 page paper compares the way in which the revenge theme is handled by Shakespeare in Hamlet, Poe in "The Cask of Amontillado" and Robert Browning in "My Last Duchess." Bibliography lists 10 sources.

• Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare and the Association Between Nature and Law

  This is a 5 page paper discussing the relationship between law and nature in Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure”. William Shakespeare’s play “Measure for Measure” examines the constantly shifting relationship between law and nature within the setting of Vienna. The law that no man must lay with a woman who is not his wife had long been established yet not enforced until Angelo the Lord Deputy decides to sentence Claudio, a young gentleman for impregnating his lover. Claudio shifts the relationships between nature and law, and natural law several times in his arguments to save his life. He sees man’s laws as flexible and man’s nature as virtuous. At the same time, Claudio views death and nature as lawless; which terrifies him. Angelo, on the other hand, has little sense of the natural lust and love which can occur in man and has little problem applying the law forbidding such encounters. After meeting Isabella however, Claudio’s virtuous sister, Angelo’s faith in the law alters as he readily breaks the law he is so willing to enforce on others. Isabella is virtuous and sees sinning as against natural law and devises ways in which she can save her virtue, condemn Angelo for his own lawlessness and sin while at the same time saving her brother. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Beowulf, Tempest, Don Quixote/Their Lasting Appeal

  A 7 page essay that examines 3 works of great literature. “Beowulf,” the Anglo-Saxon epic poem by an unknown poet; Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”; and “The History of Don Quixote de la Mancha” by Miguel de Cervantes illustrate the characteristics of a great work of literature that cause it to endure. Examination of these three great literary works demonstrates that each one continues to resonant with modern readers because they accurately reflect human nature. Additionally, each work demonstrates expert use of such features as characterization and plot construction. Also, each author’s use of language is lyrically beautiful and expertly executed. No additional sources cited.

• Maturity in the Relatoinship of Romeo and Juliet

  A 5 page essay that focuses on the relationship between Romeo and Juliet and argues that Juliet aids Romeo in maturing and establishing an adult relationship. In portraying this relationship, Shakespeare says a great deal about the nature of romantic love and its ability to mature individuals when love is genuine. This examination of the play, with a particular focus on the "balcony scene," reflects this theme. Over the course of the play, Romeo's love matures from the shallow puppy-love of an adolescent to a love that reflects a profound and intense passion, which signals the reciprocity of an adult relationship. Romeo achieves this level of maturity, at least in part, because of the level-headedness of Juliet, who, from the beginning of the play, displays a maturity beyond her years. The last page of the essay focuses on a review of play as performed by the Actors from the London Stage. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Cleopatra and Antony's Love Affair

  This is a 6 page paper which discusses the different aspects of the love relationship found in the central couple in William Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra”. The levels of depth found in their commitment and passion are discussed in relation to their actions and their eventual tragic deaths. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

• Playwright and Sonneteer William Shakespeare's Life and Writings

  A 5 page paper which discusses the life and works of William Shakespeare. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

• William Shakespeare's King Lear and Dante's 'Inferno' Compared

  In 5 pages the author discusses the similarities and differences between Dante and King Lear. ''King Lear' is a tragedy that was written by William Shakespeare. 'Inferno' is part one of a three-part story, which was written by Dante Alighieri. Although both stories are tragedies and contain great suffering, Dante is without a doubt the stronger of the two characters. The men share a commonality of fate stepping in and deciding their actions for them. Dante's fate, however was a much better one than Lear's was. Dante thought himself unworthy and Lear thought himself great. They were both wrong. Both men had eye-opening experiences. In Lear's case, it was too late.'

• Music During the Elizabethan Period of William Shakespeare

  This 6 page paper discusses music from the Elizabethan era. Specifically, music within Shakespearean plays is discussed in terms of insturments, how music compliments the acting, etc. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• Comparing Laurence Olivier's 1948 Film 'Hamlet' with William Shakespeare's Play

  A 4 page paper which compares and contrasts the two versions by specifically discussing any additions or deletions made in the transference of the play to film and weighs their appropriateness and value, considers the quality of the acting, settings, costumes, background music and cinematography, and contains a reaction to these differing productions. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

• Searching from the Hero Within in Hamlet by William Shakespeare

  A 5 page (4 pp. + 1 pg. outline) which compares Hamlet’s avenging of his father’s death with contemporary times, specifically considering Hamlet’s relationships with his stepfather/uncle King Claudius and his mother Queen Gertrude, his fiancée Ophelia, friends Horatio and Rosencrantz and Guilderstern, his father’s ghosts, and his last wishes. The Franco Zeffirelli and Mel Gibson 1990 film adaptation of “Hamlet” is also discussed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

• The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare and Xenophobia

  An 8 page paper which examines the ideas of xenophobia in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice.” Anti-Semitisim is also examined. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

• Figurative Language in Shakespeare and Cavendish

  A 5 page paper which examines the use of figures of speech to develop the themes of death and nature, considering the different effects of this language, and how it contributes to the overall impact of each poem. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• "Hamlet" and Suicide as an Important Theme

  In three pages this paper examines how suicide is used in the moral, religious, and aesthetic thematic development of the play, presents an analysis of two crucial statements from Hamlet about suicide, and then considers why the protagonist ultimately believes that while humans are capable of suicide, they choose to live despite the cruelties, pain, and injustices of the world. Three sources are listed in the bibliography.

• Othello by William Shakespeare and the Tragic Flaw of Love

  A 5 page paper which examines how Othello's excessive love for Desdemona led to his own downfall. No additional sources are used.

• Othello by William Shakespeare and 3 Different Perspectives

  A 2.5 page paper which examines whether Othello is a faultless hero whose strength and virtue are turned against him by the evil Iago; whether Othello is a weak, stupid man easily fooled by Iago’s intellectual superiority; or whether Othello is simply a victim of the culture in which the play is set, and more specifically, the racist and sexist stories it is built upon. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

• William Shakespeare's Macbeth and Hamlet A Comparative Analysis

  A 4 page paper which examines the similarities of the two characters, their problems and life situations. No additional sources are used.

• Life's Big Questions

  An 8 page paper which examines different literature, theories, dramas, and perspectives concerning the nature of life itself in many different ways. The works of Shakespeare and Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” are among the literature discussed. No bibliography provided.

• Blindness of Shakespeare Characters Gloucester, King Lear, and Othello

  A 5 page paper which examines the Shakespeare characters, Othello, King Lear, and Gloucester, in regards to blindness. The paper examines how the men are blind in some ways, which makes them more sensitive in other areas. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• A Review of the 1965 Film The Greatest Othello?

  This 4 page report discusses Sir Laurence Olivier's 1965 film version of Shakespeare's "Othello." The film is something of a hybrid in that it is actually a filming of the stage production by the National Theatre of Great Britain. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

• 3 Films and Their Structures

  A 3 age paper which examines “Shakespeare in Love,” “As Good as it Gets,” and “Apollo 13” in relationship to their structure. No additional sources cited.

• William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Deadly Character Flaws

  A 5 page paper which examines several characters from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and discusses how their personal flaws led them to death. The characters discussed are Hamlet, Polonius, and Ophelia. No additional sources cited.

• Suicide or Murder of Ophelia in William Shakespeare's Hamlet

  A 4 page paper which examines the death of Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, discussing whether it was murder or suicide. Bibliography lists 4 additional sources.

• Beloved Dismemberment in Poetry

  A 7 page paper which examines early modern poetry as possessing elements addressing a beloved that all but dismembers them. The poems discussed are Sir Philip Sidney’s “Astrophil and Stella #29,” Shakespeare’s Sonnet #98, and Christopher Marlowe’s “Hero and Leander.” No additional sources cited.

• Dreams, Magic, and the Difficulty of Love in A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

  A 4 page paper which examines the themes of love’s difficulty, magic, and dreams in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

• Literary and Poetic Examples of True Love

  A 5 page paper which examines what true love is as described by literature and poetry. The paper discusses Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 116,” Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee?,” Bernard Malamud’s “The Magic Barrel,” Judith Viorst’s “True Love,” and Linda Pastan’s “Love Poem.” No additional sources cited.

• Literary and Poetic Examples of True Love

  A 5 page paper which examines what true love is as described by literature and poetry. The paper discusses Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 116,” Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee?,” Bernard Malamud’s “The Magic Barrel,” Judith Viorst’s “True Love,” and Linda Pastan’s “Love Poem.” No additional sources cited.

• Fate in Romeo and Juliet

  This 5 page paper discusses the central theme of fate within Shakespeare's play of Romeo and Juliet. This central theme flows throughout the play, but is most apparent through dialogue. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

• Literature and Analysis of Character, Theme, Symbols, and Setting

  This 11 page report discusses a number of well-known literary works that offer a broad range of styles and concepts relating to the 19th and 20th century literary experience. Authors considered are Nathaniel Hawthorne, James Joyce, William Faulkner, Henrik Ibsen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, poet Elizabeth Bishop and brief references to William Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Robert Burns’ “Red, Red Rose.” Bibliography lists 7 sources.

• Queen Elizabeth and Richard the Third

  King Richard the Third is known historically as well as through the plays of William Shakespeare to be a notoriously evil man who seeks power above all else and lets nothing or no-one stand in his way. This 5 page paper presents the argument that Queen Elizabeth is one of the few characters that meets Richard on his own ground, without fear or complacency and manages to outwit him. No additional sources are listed.

• 'Sonnet 31' by Sir Philip Sidney

  The sonnet is a type of poetic form that was extremely popular in Elizabethan and Victorian England. Sir Phillip Sidney was a courtier just prior to Shakespeare who was one of the first to popularize the sonnet. He was an instigator in form and a master of metaphor. This 5 page paper explores number 31 in the sonnet cycle of Astrophil and Stella. Bibliography lists 4 sources.