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"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."
 

Aristotle

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Unwavering childhood and nature teachings according to Wordsworth.

November 2024

Abstract

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This essay explores the intertwining themes of divine providence and personal suffering in Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim’s Progress." The analysis highlights how both texts, emerging from the Restoration period in England—a time marked by significant religious and political upheaval—delve into the spiritual journeys of their protagonists. In "Robinson Crusoe," the theme of divine providence emerges as Crusoe, stranded on a desolate island, oscillates between despair and gratitude, eventually seeing his survival as a sign of divine grace. Similarly, "The Pilgrim’s Progress" presents a spiritual odyssey where Christian, the protagonist, navigates trials and tribulations with an unwavering focus on spiritual salvation. The essay argues that both narratives use their characters' struggles to examine the role of divine intervention and personal resilience in the quest for spiritual fulfillment.

Unwavering childhood and nature teachings according to Wordsworth.

November 2024

Abstract

Caspar_David_Friedrich_-_Wanderer_above_the_sea_of_fog.jpg

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This essay explores the intertwining themes of divine providence and personal suffering in Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim’s Progress." The analysis highlights how both texts, emerging from the Restoration period in England—a time marked by significant religious and political upheaval—delve into the spiritual journeys of their protagonists. In "Robinson Crusoe," the theme of divine providence emerges as Crusoe, stranded on a desolate island, oscillates between despair and gratitude, eventually seeing his survival as a sign of divine grace. Similarly, "The Pilgrim’s Progress" presents a spiritual odyssey where Christian, the protagonist, navigates trials and tribulations with an unwavering focus on spiritual salvation. The essay argues that both narratives use their characters' struggles to examine the role of divine intervention and personal resilience in the quest for spiritual fulfillment.

The Prioress’ contradiction in advocating for love and purity juxtaposed to the condemnation she perpetuates in her Anti-Semitic tale

December 2024

Abstract

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In my final essay, I scrutinize the narrative and thematic contradictions in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Prioress's Tale" from The Canterbury Tales. I argue that while the Prioress presents herself as a paragon of Christian love and purity, her tale reveals deep-seated anti-Semitism that starkly contradicts these values. My analysis delves into the historical context of the blood libel myth and how it was used to justify persecution and violence against Jews during the Middle Ages. By critically examining the Prioress's character and her tale, I expose the hypocrisy of religious figures who preach compassion but practice bigotry. I suggest that Chaucer's portrayal of the Prioress is intentionally ironic, using her to highlight the moral and ethical flaws within the clergy of his time. I conclude that Chaucer uses sophisticated narrative techniques to challenge readers to discern the true moral implications of the tale, ultimately revealing the corruption inherent in the medieval Church.

The “Wife” manipulation and trickery despite the medieval belief of a wife’s monotony, sexual experience and unattractiveness.

November 2024

Abstract

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In my analysis of Chaucer's "The Wife of Bath," I explore the character’s complex representation of medieval femininity and marital dynamics. My essay examines how the Wife of Bath, a character in The Canterbury Tales, subverts the traditional expectations of women during the Middle Ages through her serial marriages and assertive personality. I highlight the Wife’s use of her sexual and matrimonial experiences as tools for social and economic empowerment, challenging the norms that sought to confine women to passive roles. Through the Wife of Bath, Chaucer presents a critique of the legal and social structures that commodified women as property and limited their autonomy. I argue that the Wife of Bath not only critiques these oppressive structures but also embodies a form of feminist agency by manipulating the limited roles available to women to carve out a space for her independence and authority.

A hero’s struggle though sacrifice led by divine providence in Robinson Crusoe and Pilgrim's Progress

October 2024

Abstract

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This essay explores the intertwining themes of divine providence and personal suffering in Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim’s Progress." The analysis highlights how both texts, emerging from the Restoration period in England—a time marked by significant religious and political upheaval—delve into the spiritual journeys of their protagonists. In "Robinson Crusoe," the theme of divine providence emerges as Crusoe, stranded on a desolate island, oscillates between despair and gratitude, eventually seeing his survival as a sign of divine grace. Similarly, "The Pilgrim’s Progress" presents a spiritual odyssey where Christian, the protagonist, navigates trials and tribulations with an unwavering focus on spiritual salvation. The essay argues that both narratives use their characters' struggles to examine the role of divine intervention and personal resilience in the quest for spiritual fulfillment.

Linguistics and Semiotics in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

May 2024

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-05-15 15.05.01 - Artistic interpretation of key themes from Carson McCullers'

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This essay explores the application of linguistic and semiotic theories, particularly those of Ferdinand de Saussure, to analyze Carson McCullers’ novel "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter". It discusses the fluid and arbitrary nature of signs and how they evolve over time under the influence of cultural, political, and temporal forces. The essay underscores the novel’s use of symbols like clocks, music, and the setting of the New York Café to delve into themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for connection. These symbols not only contribute to the depth of the narrative but also reflect the characters’ struggles and aspirations within their socio-economic context. Through a detailed examination of these symbols, the essay argues that McCullers skillfully uses language to reveal the intricacies of the human condition, making the novel a rich field for cultural and linguistic analysis.

Loneliness and Alienation in Medieval English Poetry

February 2024

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-15 11.56.53 - A symbolic and atmospheric representation of the themes from

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This essay analyzes themes of loneliness and alienation in three Old English poems: "The Wanderer," "The Seafarer," and "The Wife's Lament." These poems reflect the rigid social hierarchies and the deep-seated gender norms of the Medieval period, using metaphorical language and settings to convey feelings of isolation, loss, and yearning for community. The essay also contrasts the communal male experiences in the first two poems with the intense personal grief and anger of the female voice in "The Wife's Lament," discussing how these narratives underscore the existential and social dilemmas faced by individuals in medieval society.

Blindness in 'King Lear': A Reflection on Moral Responsibility from a Semantic View

April 2024

Abstract

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This essay explores the thematic role of blindness in Shakespeare's "King Lear," interpreting it as a metaphor for moral and emotional ignorance. It discusses how King Lear's inability to see past superficial flattery leads to his downfall, contrasting this with the physical blindness of the Earl of Gloucester, which ironically leads to greater insight. The essay uses the concept of "hamartia" from Greek tragedy to analyze how Lear's and Gloucester's blindness reflect their initial moral failings and their eventual, though tragic, enlightenment. The analysis further discusses the symbolism of the crown and the map, which represent political power and rational control, respectively, and how these symbols contribute to a deeper understanding of the play's critique of power, responsibility, and human frailty.

Twain’s “aggressively American” humor that criticizes European culture and propagates stereotypes.

April 2024

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-25 22.00.53 - A beautifully crafted illustration representing Mark Twain's

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This essay explores the distinctive humor of Mark Twain, emphasizing his "aggressively American" critique of European culture and the propagation of stereotypes through his renowned travel book, Innocents Abroad. Twain leverages irony and satire to foster reflection on societal norms and human behavior, embedding his narrative with a nuanced humor that varies from witty to profound social commentary. The essay highlights Twain's ability to critique European traditions and the naiveté of American tourists without alienating his readership, using humor as a shield for his often controversial observations. It examines his portrayal of cultural ignorance and the dichotomy between the American disposition and European sophistication, underscoring his critical yet humorous examination of cultural perceptions during his travels.

Cultural appropriation in fashion and its blurry line

April 2024

Abstract

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This study examines cultural appropriation within the fashion industry, contrasting it with cultural appreciation. Defined as a post-colonial critique, cultural appropriation is viewed as an exploitation by dominant cultures, exemplified by the 2012 Victoria’s Secret fashion show’s use of Native American warbonnets. The analysis extends to the ambiguities of cultural representation in Halloween costumes, illustrating the fine line between appropriation and appreciation. Highlighting collaborative models like Nike’s N7 collection, which partners with Native communities, the paper advocates for respectful cultural exchange. It argues that a shift towards cultural appreciation can enrich global interactions while respecting and preserving cultural heritage.

Italians portrayed in Literature: Children of Nature

February 2024

Abstract

This essay explores the romanticized portrayal of Italians in literature, focusing on their depiction as "Children of Nature." This characterization stems from historical perceptions of Italians being passionate and closely connected to nature, an image popularized in European romantic and dramatic literature. The essay discusses works like Shakespeare's Italian plays and Goethe's "Italian Journey," highlighting the notion that the Italian landscape and its people inspire a naturalistic appreciation and artistic expression that contrasts sharply with the structured religious and artistic frameworks of their time.

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John Singer as the lonely people’s eye of the hurricane

March 2024

Abstract

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The essay examines the character John Singer in Carson McCullers's "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" as a silent therapist and friend to other characters, despite his own profound loneliness. Using Lacanian psychoanalysis, it delves into Singer's role in the narrative, where his deaf-muteness causes him to be a projection surface for others' desires and loneliness, inadvertently highlighting the stigmatization of psychological therapy and the deep-seated human need for connection.

Feminist voices, choice and ambition in Carol Ann Duffy’s The Worlds Wife

December 2023

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-17 14.30.40 - A visually compelling digital collage representing the themes

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This term paper explores feminist revisionism through Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry collection, The World's Wife. Duffy employs a feminist lens to reinterpret myths and stories traditionally centered around male figures, giving voice to the women sidelined in these narratives. By analyzing Duffy's work alongside critiques by Kaniz Fatema Tisha and Haribibur Rashman, this paper delves into the ways Duffy challenges patriarchal narratives and redefines femininity and masculinity. The poems highlight the struggles and empowerment of women across various cultural and historical contexts, showcasing Duffy’s effort to reclaim women's voices and offer a fresh perspective on gender dynamics. Through feminist theory, the paper emphasizes the importance of female agency and the critical reevaluation of masculinity, arguing for a nuanced understanding of gender relations in literature.

The door between social performance and freedom; Louise’s fantasy of the favorite version of herself.

March 2023

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-17 14.39.53 - A thought-provoking digital art depicting a scene from Kate C

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This paper analyzes Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," focusing on the protagonist Louise Mallard's conflict between societal expectations and personal freedom. It explores the use of dramatic irony and thematic elements of freedom versus oppression within marriage. Chopin's narrative illustrates Louise's brief experience of freedom following the presumed death of her husband, only to be tragically curtailed by his unexpected return. The paper discusses how Chopin subtly critiques the restrictive roles imposed on women, highlighting Louise's internal joy and ultimate demise as emblematic of women's complex positions in 19th-century society.

“The Blind Man” and the real Blind Man; the blindfold of insecurity and ignorance. 

March 2023

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-17 14.46.07 - A poignant digital art representation of Raymond Carver's 'Ca

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This essay analyzes the theme of insecurity and metaphorical blindness in Raymond Carver's "Cathedral," focusing on the narrator's jealousy and ignorance, which act as a blindfold, obscuring his perception of Robert, the blind man. The narrative explores the transformation of the narrator from dismissiveness to acceptance and understanding through an unexpected bond formed during a drawing session. This interaction not only highlights the narrator's personal growth but also challenges his preconceptions about disability, ultimately leading to an epiphany about his own metaphorical blindness and the broader implications of empathy and perception.

Misunderstood Speakers on My Last Duchess and Her Kind 

February 2023 

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-17 15.03.07 - A symbolic digital artwork representing the themes of 'My Las

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This essay examines the theme of misunderstood speakers in Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" and Anne Sexton's "Her Kind." The analysis highlights how the Duke in Browning's poem manipulates language to justify his controlling and possibly murderous behavior towards his late wife, presenting a façade of power and authority. Conversely, Sexton's poem explores the alienation of a woman condemned by society's norms, equating her with a witch-like outcast. Both speakers are shaped by their societal contexts, reflecting different reactions to personal and public misunderstanding, which ultimately influence their portrayal and the reader’s perception.

Birdsong and Hills like White Elephant’s portrayal of gendered relationships.  

March 2023 

Abstract

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This essay explores gender dynamics in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s "Birdsong" and Ernest Hemingway’s "Hills Like White Elephants," focusing on how societal pressures and male-dominated narratives silence women. Both stories illustrate female protagonists constrained by the manipulative influences of men, shaping crucial life decisions about relationships and abortion. The analysis reveals that while the women possess inherent power due to their roles and choices, patriarchal manipulation obscures this strength, leaving them to navigate their autonomy within constrained circumstances. The essay underscores the pervasive influence of gendered expectations in shaping female agency.

Midsummer Night’s Dream’s Women and Men Power Dynamics. 

January 2023 

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-17 15.29.55 - An artistic interpretation of a scene from Shakespeare's 'A M

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In William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the dynamics of power and gender are intricately woven into the interactions between characters, highlighting themes of authority, love, and autonomy. The play, set in Athens, centers on the impending marriage of Duke Theseus and Hippolyta, with a secondary plot involving young Athenians in complex romantic entanglements. This paper analyzes the expression and manipulation of power through the lens of gender, examining how characters like Hermia challenge paternal and societal authority, while Theseus embodies the political and emotional control typical of male figures in the narrative. Through the resolution of romantic conflicts and the assertion of individual desires over imposed wills, the play critiques and explores the gendered power structures of its time, revealing the tensions and potential harmonies within human relationships.

The Restrictive Societal Limitations of the Victorian Woman

March 2023 

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-17 15.34.09 - A dramatic Victorian scene reflecting societal gender roles.

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This paper explores the societal constraints imposed on women during the Victorian era through the examination of literature and cultural norms. It particularly analyzes how Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" and Alfred Tennyson's "The Princess" represent gender roles and the push for women's equality. Brontë's novel reveals the limitations and expectations placed on women, depicting Jane Eyre as a figure who defies societal norms by seeking independence and valuing education over marriage. Conversely, Tennyson's poem advocates for gender equality, suggesting a collaborative approach to societal improvement. Both texts serve as critical insights into the restrictive gender norms of the Victorian period, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of women during that time. The analysis underscores the tension between societal expectations and individual autonomy, reflecting broader themes of gender, identity, and resistance.

Victorian Modernism: Values reflected in Poetry

April 2023 

Abstract

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This essay delves into the transformative shift from Victorian to Modernist values in poetry, illustrated through the analysis of contrasting poetic works. The Victorian era, characterized by its emphasis on moral lessons and traditional values such as romanticism and nationalism, is exemplified in Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess." This poem uses structured meter and possessive imagery to reflect the societal roles and expectations of the time. Transitioning to Modernism, T.S. Eliot’s "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" and "The Waste Land" represent a paradigm shift, focusing on the individual's experience and existential concerns rather than societal expectations. These works employ free verse, stream of consciousness, and a departure from traditional themes, highlighting the Modernist focus on introspection and the disillusionment post-World War I. The essay explores how these poets navigate the changing landscape of literary expression, reflecting broader shifts in societal values and the human condition.

Ni una menos; Not one (woman) less.

December 2022

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-17 15.53.15 - A portrait of a dark-haired girl with brown eyes and the word

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This research paper examines the surge of femicide and gender-based violence in Mexico, highlighting the critical role played by the "Ni Una Menos" (Not one woman less) movement in advocating for change. The paper explores the deep-seated issues of misogyny and violence that have plagued Mexican society, exacerbated by systemic impunity and a lack of effective governmental action. By analyzing the evolution of feminist protests and public reactions, the paper elucidates how these movements have pushed for greater accountability and changes in societal attitudes towards women. It delves into specific cases, such as the tragic murders of Fátima and Ingrid Escamilla, that sparked national outrage and significant protests. The study underscores the importance of solidarity, visibility, and continuous advocacy in combating the entrenched gender violence in Mexico, while critiquing the government's inadequate response to such a pervasive crisis.

Unraveling the Web:
The Psychological Roots and Societal Impact of Conspiracy Theories 

April 2022

Abstract

DALL·E 2024-04-17 16.00.31 - A symbolic image depicting the psychological and social dimen

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This essay delves into the causes and effects of conspiracy theories, highlighting four primary motivators: a lack of education leading to arrogance, the search for a purpose, the need for community, and the desire to find a scapegoat for personal frustrations. These factors collectively draw individuals into embracing and perpetuating unfounded beliefs. By understanding these psychological and social underpinnings, the essay sheds light on the complex reasons behind the allure of conspiracy theories and their impact on society, offering insights into how these beliefs satisfy deep-seated emotional and psychological needs while posing significant risks.

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© 2024 by Barbara Peña.

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