"Pierre" by Nicole Belolan
Nicole Belolan’s essay on Melville’s Pierre brings to focus the parallels between Pierre’s drive for perfection in his literary work, the goals of the founding fathers, and the realities of a young country. By comparing the works of Benjamin Franklin and James Madison to the fictional pamphlet “Chronometricals and Horologicals,” Belolan shows the overlapping paradoxical elements among the important documents that shaped our nation and the pamphlet that Pierre used to shape his rationale.
"TENSION: The weight of masculinity" by Brian Keating
In this essay, Brian Keating uncovers the connection between the uneasiness felt by men at the gym and the continually growing importance of the male image. Through the use of observation and research, the essay describes the development of tension between males in a gym setting. Keating uses the concepts of threat, crisis, and evolution within the world of masculinity to argue not only that male self-image has become an overpowering force in today’s society, but also that it is threatened by the acceptance of homosexuality.
"Under the Tutelage of the Unjust" by Jonathan Wilbersheid
Jonathon Wilberscheid’s essay, “Under the Tutelage of the Unjust,” argues that the difference between friendship and leadership depends upon the actions of the parties involved. Wilberscheid argues that when leadership and friendship are in contention, leadership always wins. Through careful and thorough character analysis, the author provides in-depth detail into the actions, morality, and motivation of Falstaff and Henry V. From the character analysis of Henry V as noble and kingly, to his argument, which cites Falstaff as the better half, Wilberscheid provides deep insight into the relationship between both characters. In establishing the ground between Falstaff and Henry V, the author is able to develop both sides of his argument. In this development one reads that Henry V feels a severe duty to his country and men, yet he is alone and solitary with this duty, as he feels there are none that can help. Falstaff is argued to be one who is in true understanding of life as he takes what he needs and understands that nothing is useful to the dead. In this essay we see the dynamics between Shakespearean characters both noble and lowly, helping us understand that our perceptions of characters must not be set in stone.
"The Sins of Brutus" by Joseph Colella
Joseph Colella’s essay “The Sins of Brutus” argues that through Brutus’ lack of planning and commitment, as well as judgmental errors, the ideal Roman state that Brutus wished to usher in was never realized. Through arguing three critical points where Brutus failed to prepare and understand, the opposition was able to establish another Emperor. Colella states, in detail, that Brutus did not recognize Marc Antony as a threat, understand the needs of the Plebeians, or modify his principles to the needs of the present. In these three crucial points, Colella explains how Brutus was unable to foresee the cunning lust for power displayed by Marc Antony, as well as the importance of the people’s voice.
"Destruction by Selflessness" by Gabriel Liwerant
In Gabriel Liwerant’s analysis of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, the author deconstructs Volumnia’s use of “guilt mongering and deception” in usurping her son’s power on the thrown. Liwerant argues three specific instances in the play when Volumnia intentionally uses her power over Coriolanus to change his mind about key decisions as a leader. The author likewise discusses Volumnia’s use of deceit through rhetoric, and thus the paradox she constructs for Coriolanus using his own hubris against him. Liwerant breaks down Coriolanus’ paradox by alluding to both his own personal pride, and his selfless, almost slave-like attitude in the presence of Volumnia. Within this paradox, Liwerant argues that it is ultimately Coriolanus’ obedience to his mother that assumes power over him, thus securing his fate of “internal and external death” at the hands of Volumnia.
"Neutralizing the No-Response" by Ashley S. Miller
In her essay, Ashley Miller analyzes Theresa Hak Kyung Cha’s Dictee, in which Cha examines language and rhetoric throughout history, “leaving the reader with a lingering suspicion about the manipulations of conventional narrative history.” Miller also discusses Cha’s criticism of narrative history and news history’s use of “matter-of-fact tone, Standard English, and bureaucratic euphemisms of war to deliver a chronological account of the events.”
Miller likewise includes testimony from author Jon Cho who, like Cha, criticizes historical uses of euphemisms and favorable rhetoric by the Japanese government. Miller continues by including Cha’s own personal tactics of making her subjective opinions on the Japanese colonization apparent.