Free Orpheus Descending Essays and Papers

Tennessee Williams and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Tennessee Williams has been described as the most literary of the major dramatists and one of America's best playwrights (Bloom, p.2). He has been praised by critics for his compassionate understanding of the spiritually downtrodden (Gale Databases, p. 8). One of his most famous plays, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, has been described as his most powerful, and deals with the then taboo subject of homosexuality (Becker, p. 2). Tennessee Williams, whose

the power and might of the gods. Those familiar with the myth of Orpheus, for example, may question whether he was simply a foil, simply a tool used by the gods, constructed simply to show the power of the gods and death, the foolishness of man, or if his paradigm was meant to glorify his kind. In order to come to a conclusion regarding this question, examination into Orpheus’ life, story, and role must be made. The tale of Orpheus has been retold throughout history, and the critical views and opinions

today resides in Toronto (Academy). Among her works is a poem called, Orpheus, a poem that alludes to the myth of Orpheus. Atwood writes the poem from the female perspective to convey the feelings of manipulation and the selfish needs of Orpheus. In both the myth and the poem the male character is manipulative and disguises his selfish needs as love for the female character. According to classical versions of the myth, Orpheus loses his wife and ruins his attempt to bring her back. “The bride, just

in Nirvana) plays an important role in Buddhism. The same idea shows itself in the belief of "vuslat" (communion with God) in Sufi philosophy. Sufism was also influenced by Orpheus and related beliefs, and consequently by Pythagoras and his teachings, because Pythagoras was closely interested in Orpheus beliefs. Orpheus was a poet who lived in Anatolia in the 6th and 7th centuries BC. He was believed to have divine characteristics such as being able to influence wild animals with his music. He

associated with the realm of Hades and it’s divisions, citizens of ancient Greece had a great desire to better their afterlife and avoid going to Tartarus; the most horrifying level of the underworld. This paper will explore the mystery cults of Orpheus, Dionysus, Artemis and Demeter and will discuss their significance and popularity in the Graeco-Roman world. Mystery cults or religions in these ancient societies involved the intertwining of myth and religion. Those belonging to mystery religions

The Personification of Death in Jean Cocteau’s Orpheus The personification of Death is done by means of a princess of the Underworld in Jean Cocteau’s Orpheus. This Princess is very powerful, yet surprisingly vulnerable. For no one is allowed to love in the Underworld, the Princess falls in love with a famous poet named Orpheus and goes to drastic measures to be with him. But in the end she cannot be with her love, and she realizes this and does what is forbidden in the Underworld and defies time

Amidst the glittery throng of South-Asian Literature, Nadeem Aslam’s Maps For Lost Lovers rises to a stature of its own. Aslam, in his novel, builds characters whose lives revolve around a plethora of symbols. These symbols not only help in deciphering all of his characters, but it also adds depth and substance to their personalities. The three-dimensional nature of these characters, uncovers their complexity. Interestingly, these abstract symbols and signs can be linked to the ancient tradition

In the movie Black Orpheus, the masked skeleton represents the anti-hero in the film as he represents Hades, King of the underworld. As reference in the introduction of the piece, Euridyce has ran away from home because she believes this man was going to kill her (Black Orpheus). She has fled to a favela where her cousin lives as a Carioca and she arrived just in time for carnival where sambas will be preformed (Black Orpheus). It also appears the man she was fleeting from has followed her as

The myth of Eurydice is a sad story in which two lovers are separated by death. After his love dies, Orpheus journeys into the underworld to retrieve her, but instead loses her for good. Playwright Sarah Ruhl takes the myth of Eurydice and attempts to transform this sad tale into a more light-hearted story. However, despite humorous lines and actions throughout the play, the melancholy situation of the actual tale overwhelms any comicality present. Although meant to be funny, Sarah Ruhl's “Eurydice”

is located below where people stay during the day illustrates the theme of boundaries that is important in ancient Greek Myths. The idea of an underground club does in fact relate to the underworld due to how it is below ground level. In addition, Orpheus’ cautious journey down the dark entrance leading to the club should be thought of as the modern illustration of the “Taenarian gate down to the Gloomy styx” as told in the original myth. He had to dodge the iron bar and depicts the level of difficulty