The story of “Theft” written by Katherine Anne Porter takes place in New York City during the 1920’s. This unnamed female protagonist discovers that her purse, made of gold cloth, is missing. As the mid 20 year old woman ponders, she realizes she had her...
Introduction In his book, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, Dominic Crossan critically and radically challenged the traditional view of Jesus of Nazareth. Crossan subjected the four Gospels to critical evaluation and employed the method of historical criticism in his attempt to determine whether the main Gospel...
Othello: Iago – Manipulative, Racist, Arrogant, Presumptuous William Shakespeare’s Othello play depicts Iago as a manipulative, racist, arrogant, and presumptuous character. Concerning the trait of manipulation, Iago causes Brabantio to believe that Othello has forcefully married Desdemona. Regarding the trait of racism, Iago refers to...
The movie, Gladiator, happens in 180 AD, during Rome’s golden age. At this time, the Roman Empire was governing over a quarter of the world’s population. It had been over 60 years since the last expansion of the Roman Empire, and the Emperor, Marcus Aurelius...
Introduction: The movie Braveheart, directed by and starring Mel Gibson, has been highly regarded in Hollywood since the time of its release in 1995. It has been nominated for and won multiple Academy Awards and Oscars, including the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture in...
Schooling in the 1990s During the 1990s, more emphasis was placed on schooling for young people, particularly those completing secondary schooling. This is because the labour market required students to have higher educational credentials. Moreover, parents who had completed or prolonged schooling experiences were another...
Traditional Approaches Literature did not begin being studied in classes in the 1920s. The first approach to appear was the traditional approach. This may be seen as the “old” historicism in contrast to the post-modern new historicism. Historical criticism is common in the traditional approach...
With 11 Tony Awards and over 1 million copies of its soundtrack sold, it is no doubt that the musical, Hamilton, has grabbed America’s attention since its debut in 2015. The unlikely star of the production, Alexander Hamilton, is brought back to life through the...
When we dive into the realm of early American literature, one piece that stands out for its boldness and originality is “The Speech of Miss Polly Baker.” Written by Benjamin Franklin in 1747, this work takes the form of a satirical speech delivered by a...
When we talk about the Declaration of Independence, we’re diving into a text that not only marked the birth of a nation but also articulated some profound philosophical ideas. The first paragraph serves as an introduction to the document, laying down essential concepts that would...
Introduction to the Conquest The Conquest of New Spain, which took place in the early 16th century, marks a significant chapter in world history. It involves a complex mix of ambition, exploration, and the often brutal subjugation of indigenous populations. Spearheaded by Spanish conquistadors, notably...
Introduction to Chapter 21 Chapter 21 of “Give Me Liberty” dives deep into the transformative period of American history, focusing on the struggles for civil rights and social justice. This chapter offers a rich tapestry of events, personalities, and ideologies that shaped the mid-20th century....
Benjamin Franklin’s speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 is a pivotal moment in American history. It’s one of those rare instances where we can witness firsthand how a nation was being forged, and Franklin, with his characteristic wit and wisdom, played a crucial role...
Understanding the Golden Age: What Was It? When we hear the term “Golden Age,” it often evokes images of prosperity, cultural flourishing, and groundbreaking achievements. But what exactly was this period that so many historians reference? The Golden Age varies depending on the context—be it...
The Book Thief, written by Markus Zusak, is a captivating and powerful novel set during World War II. The story is narrated by Death, who tells the tale of a young girl named Liesel Meminger. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the power...
Introduction to the Relationship When we think about the Industrial Revolution, images of steam engines, factories, and urbanization usually come to mind. But what often gets less attention is how this transformative period was intertwined with imperialism. It’s fascinating to explore how these two phenomena...
The United States in the mid-19th century was a nation on the brink of transformation, and “The Impending Crisis of the South,” written by Hinton Rowan Helper in 1857, serves as a vital document illustrating the tensions that ultimately culminated in the Civil War. Helper’s...
When diving into the depths of literature, one often encounters a myriad of genres, each with its own flavor and distinct characteristics. Among these genres lies a powerful memoir titled “Night” by Elie Wiesel. This haunting work not only recounts Wiesel’s experiences during the Holocaust...
When we dive into the tumultuous world of Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible,” one character stands out amidst the chaos of the Salem witch trials: Rebecca Nurse. This strong-willed, morally upright woman is accused of witchcraft, a charge that seems utterly unfounded given her pious...
The Struggle Between Duty and Friendship In Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” Mr. Utterson, the lawyer and close friend of Dr. Jekyll, grapples with profound internal conflicts that shape his character throughout the story. At first glance, Utterson...
When we think about American history, the narratives that often come to mind are those of presidents, wars, and major social movements. But what about the stories of everyday people—the ones who lived through these events but didn’t always get their names in the textbooks?...
American History
Cultural Anthropology
Historical Criticism
In William Faulkner’s short story “A Rose for Emily,” irony plays a crucial role in conveying the complex themes surrounding tradition, isolation, and the passage of time. This narrative unfolds in a small Southern town and revolves around the life and death of Emily Grierson,...
In the heart of the American transcendentalist movement, few voices resonate as powerfully as that of Henry David Thoreau. His seminal work, *Walden*, particularly in the chapter titled ‘Economy’, offers profound insights into the nature of simplicity and its necessity for a fulfilling life. In...
Art History
Cultural Anthropology
Historical Criticism
When delving into the world of historical figures and their interactions, one cannot help but wonder about the connections between notable scholars across different eras. One such intriguing figure is Rob Cole, a character from Noah Gordon’s novel “The Physician.” Many readers might ask: Did...
Introduction The American Civil War, a significant chapter in the nation’s history, is often seen through the lens of the North’s eventual victory over the South. However, while the North had numerous advantages—such as industrial resources and manpower—it’s crucial to explore the disadvantages they faced...
Introduction to Unethical Leadership Throughout history, we have seen a myriad of leaders who have left their marks, but not all of them are remembered for the right reasons. Some individuals wielded power in ways that were downright unethical, using manipulation, deceit, and oppression as...
When we think about urban decay, images of crumbling buildings, graffiti-covered walls, and a general sense of neglect often come to mind. George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984” paints a vivid picture of a society that has succumbed to such decay. The setting in “1984” serves...
Introduction to Internal Conflict When we delve into the world of literature, one theme that often resonates with readers is internal conflict. This struggle within oneself can lead to profound character development and is crucial for driving a narrative forward. A prime example of this...
Understanding Miss Watson Through Irony Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is a rich tapestry of complex characters, and one of the most intriguing figures in this narrative is Miss Watson. On the surface, she appears to embody the societal norms and values of...
Art History
Cultural Anthropology
Historical Criticism
