| Papers [1-15] of 25 :: [Page 1 of 2] | | Go to page : 1 2 —> | Search results on "CANNIBALISM": |
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Cannibalism Along the Oregon Trail, 2002.
A discussion of cannibalism in 1846 along the Oregon Trail.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This three-page undergraduate-level paper discusses cannibalism in 1846 along the Oregon Trail. The experience of the Donner Party is examined in order to resolve the issue of whether or not cannibalism is ever justified.
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Cannibalism, 2005.
A discussion on the evidence of Cannibalism.
2,300 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the evidence for cannibalism among homo erectus and other Late Pleistocene hominids. The paper reviews Chinese and Spanish sites in detail in order to weigh the evidence for cannibalism. The author concludes that they do in fact prove that it happened.
From the Paper
"Everything we know about ourselves ends in mystery. Of course we are intimately familiar with the circumstances of our daily lives as individual human beings. We know our faces, bodies, activities, friends and family ..."
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The True Nature of Cannibalism: A Tribute to the Deceased, 2001.
This paper examines the historical realities and significance of cannibalism and cannibalistic peoples.
2,085 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
Using historical evidence of cannibalism existence, this paper identifies different forms and practices, and explains the motives for such behaviors.
From the Paper
"For millions of years, the majority of humans and their ancestors around the world have eaten meat, derived from a countless number of animals. However, the majority of these people have avoided one particular kind of meat: human flesh. For a human to knowingly eat the flesh of his own kind has been taboo to the most extreme definition of the term. Even the thought of it provokes a deep-rooted, enculturated repulsiveness that is so powerful it has actually prevented modern humans from eating remains of dead people for the sole purpose of survival (Barker, Hulme, and Iversen 1998:37). In other words, they would rather die than eat the meat of another person. The general practice of eating human flesh, anthropophagy, commonly referred to as cannibalism, has always been a subject full of controversy and debate. Hundreds of scientific studies have been published on the subject, but few have focused on the anthropological reasons for its supposed occurrence. In order to understand the true nature of cannibalism, it is necessary to examine it from a number of different perspectives. First, the historical evidence indicating that it took place must be carefully analyzed and interpreted. Second, the different forms of cannibalism must be identified and defined, and examples of their historical presence must be cited. Lastly, the motives of each type need to be explained, detailing the various tendencies of cannibalistic peoples and their practices. Only then will the appropriate significance of cannibalism and its existence become clear."
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Aztec Cannibalism, 1991.
This paper discusses Aztec cannibalism in Mesoamerica now part of Mexico: Human sacrifice and eating of remains, causes, theories and religious aspects.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 8 sources, $ 87.95
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From the Paper
"The Aztec Empire existed in a region of Mesoamerica which is now part of Mexico. In the early sixteenth century, Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernan Cortes, conquered the Aztec people and destroyed their culture as it existed at the time. One of the most shocking aspects of that culture to the Spaniards was the fact that the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice on a massive scale. The invaders were further shocked when they realized that the Aztec Indians also routinely engaged in cannibalism with the remains from their human sacrifices. In addition to the eyewitness accounts of the Spanish conquistadors, there is evidence of both human sacrifice and cannibalism to be found in the ancient writings of the Aztec people themselves. These writings show that the Aztecs had a religious motive in undertaking human sacrifices. They believed that if their gods were not periodically ... "
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Anasazi Cannibalism, 1999.
Evaluates archaeological evidence for cannibalism among American Southwest people. Looks at the functions & significance of death-related rituals, research findings, methods & interpretations.
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 15 sources, $ 127.95
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From the Paper
"Evidence for the practice of cannibalism by the Anasazi people of the American Southwest has been growing during the last three decades. As archaeologists have excavated new sites and re-examined findings from previously explored locations, the taphonomic and forensic analysis of human skeletal remains has led to a hypothesis of cannibalism at as many as 28 Anasazi sites. Though the first suggestion of cannibalism was made in 1902, the absence of any sign of such a practice in the ethnographic literature may have mitigated against thorough investigation of the notion. But with the systematic application of the methods of physical anthropology archaeologists have steadily produced a body of cases in which cannibalism seems the most likely explanation of anomalous states and dispositions of human remains. The reasons behind the practice--whether it was.."
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"Of Cannibals", 2002.
An analysis of the essay "Of Cannibals" written by sixteenth century writer Michel de Montaigne.
2,110 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 1 source, $ 66.95
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Abstract
The essay "Of Cannibals" is a narrative prose by 16th Century French writer, Michel de Montaigne, describing the culture of a South American tribe (Native Americans). In it, Montaigne compares the Native American tribe's society and culture with that of Western society. This paper discusses and enumerates these comparisons between the two societies, as well as describes in detail the different social customs and lifestyles of the cannibalistic group. A comparison and analysis of the differences between the two societies in Montaigne's point of view is made for further understanding of the author's objective, that is, to criticize Western society of its conservative and strict compliance to dogmatic beliefs that continually plague the people from Western societies. Thus, Montaigne analyzes "barbarism" and "civilization" in context of the two societies.
From the Paper
"The act of war and cannibalism in this tribe is one important comparison of Montaigne to the Europeans. The author justifies the tribe's barbarism and cannibalism through several explanations. According to him, barbarism, or the act of war popular among tribes people, is one of the two important articles taught in their society, that is, valor towards their enemies or "resolution in war." Cannibalism is said to be done not "for nourishment", because cannibalism for the tribes people is an "extreme form of vengeance." Montaigne justifies this "barbarous horror of so cruel an action" by comparing the tribe's cannibalism with that of "cannibalism" in Western society. For him, the tribe?s cannibalism is much more honorable and just, since the prisoner is killed first and only eaten when he was already dead. The Western society, on the other hand, practices a more "barbarous" act of cannibalism because, as Montaigne had described, "[I] conceive there is more barbarity in eating a man alive, than when he is dead... in tearing a body limb from limb by racks and torments... among neighbors and fellow-citizens... under color of piety and religion...""
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George Fitzhugh's "Cannibals All! or Slaves Without Masters", 1994.
This study analyzes George Fitzhugh's 1857 book "Cannibals All! or Slaves Without Masters" that presents specious evidence arguing for the legitimacy of slavery.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"This study will analyze George Fitzhugh's "Cannibals All! or Slaves Without Masters". The study will consider the ways the author supports his arguments in favor of slavery, the evidence he uses and how he uses it, and to what extent the evidence is unconvincing.
As the book's editor points out, Fitzhugh himself admits that he is not trying to convince the reader of the truth of his thesis by using objective arguments based on well-documented and clearly presented evidence. To the contrary, Fitzhugh argues that the enemy---those who would outlaw slavery---are split into many camps and therefore "we are compelled to vary our mode of attack from regular cannonade to bushfighting, to suit the occasion"
In other words, the issue of slavery is so essential to the ... "
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"A Modest Proposal" ( Jonathan Swift ), "Of Cannibals" ( Michel De Montaigne ) and "Leviathan" ( Thomas Hobbes ), 1999.
Critiques these writers' views on the darker side of human nature.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 39.95
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Abstract
Jonathan Swift ("A Modest Proposal"), Michel de Montaigne ("Of Cannibals"), and Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan) offer comparable views on the darker side of human nature.
From the Paper
"Jonathan Swift ("A Modest Proposal"), Michel de Montaigne ("Of Cannibals"), and Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan) offer comparable views on the darker side of human nature. Their views reflect patterns of the world in which we live as that world slips into an increasingly self-centered, frightened, materialistic and God-less reality.
Swift satirically presents a terrifying solution to the problem of overpopulation, specifically, from the British perspective, the overpopulation of poor Irish who were seen to be having too many children and who would inevitably require British aid to care for those children. Swift suggests a solution: the children should be eaten:
I have been assured by a very knowing American . . . that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old ..."
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Cut Marks on Human Bone, 2002.
This paper presents the debate about the archaeological meaning of cut marks found on human bone.
4,941 words (approx. 19.8 pages), 33 sources, MLA, $ 125.95
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Abstract
This paper stresses that, even when speaking of the natural processes, it has been difficult to determine whether alterations to bone were by burning and heating, which would indicate cannibalism for nutrition, or by natural processes. The author points out that whether homo sapiens practiced cannibalism, the American Association for the Advancement of Science has come in on the side of the cannibalism debate, at least as far as our ancestor Neanderthals go. The paper indicates that the research on cut marks on bone is divided into prehistoric sites, early historic sites, and sites where there is a generally reliable linguistic record.
Table of Contents
The Beginning of the Debate
The Debate Filters Out of Academia
International Debate
Pro-cannibalism Evidence
The Oldest Part of the Debate Continues Under Investigation
Violence and Death, Without Cannibalism
Modern Cannibalism
Modern Deaths and Cut Marks
From the Paper
"While the controversy about cannibalism vis a vis cut marks originated in Asian sites, it has become a hot topic vis a vis U.S. sites in the southwest as well, and not only concerning the Anasazi. Billman, Lambert and Leonard grappled with it in excavating 5MT10010, a small early Pueblo III habitation site in southwestern Colorado. They examined battered, broken bones from seven individuals in two adjacent pithouses there, including mixed and incomplete remains of four adults and an adolescent, and the remains of two subadults."
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William Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus", 2007.
Looks at vengeful acts, such as cannibalism, in William Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus" and in its parent story Ovid's "Metamorphoses".
1,785 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that vengeful acts, especially in Renaissance drama, are often countered by a more heinous act of violence as seen in the climatic scene of William Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus" in which a mother is forced into cannibalizing her children. The author demonstrates that the mode of this final vengeance is inevitable because every act of revenge within this play involves consumption and cannibalism either through its language or through a connection to the play's parent story in Ovid's "Metamorphoses". For example, the bloody head of a son being returned to father in "Titus Andronicus" is extremely reminiscent of Ovid's "Metamorphoses". The paper concludes that the theme of both plays is that one ill cannot cure another.
From the Paper
"While Itys is not personally responsible for the dishonor caused to his mother and her family, he reminds his mother enough of his father that she justifies her killing of him. This is then reminiscent of Lavinia's treatment by the Goths. In a similar way, Lavinia seems to be "the scapegoat for Andronici violence," while also playing a role in the cyclic revenge of the play due to her "intrinsically polluted condition" as a woman. With Lavinia's rape (rather the panning thereof), there too is the characteristic language of consumption that is present in all the play's acts of revenge."
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Human Sacrifice, 2003.
Human sacrifice and ritual cannibalism worldwide throughout history.
3,424 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the significance of human sacrifice and ritual cannibalism in such contexts as the Bible, Roman mythology, and actual tribes currently and previously found throughout the world.
From the Paper
"Human sacrifice has been a part of human nature and human history since before written records. The act of killing another human to appease a deity or another higher power is written about in some of the oldest religious documents and oral stories. Human sacrifice is one of the most powerful religious accounts in culture, in which a life is taken in order to please a god. ?In every sacrifice an object passes from the common into the religious domain; it is consecrated? (Beattie, p29). This ceremonial execution happens everywhere around the world today. In this paper I will discuss human sacrifice from the past, in written history and fables, and in today?s modern world."
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"Diary of a Madman", 2003.
An analysis of the role of cannibalism in Lu Xun's "Diary of a Madman".
823 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Lu Xun's, "Diary of a Madman", written in 1918 response to China's feudalistic society that was still hanging on since ancient times despite the Revolution of 1911. In particular, the paper discusses Lu Xun's use of cannibalism as a symbol for the ancient ways because the history of China was filled with it. The paper relates that Lu Xun's story exposes the cannibalistic feudal society of pre-revolutionary China and concludes that Lu Xun felt that if the people of China could get past tradition and fear, there could be hope for a new social norm.
From the Paper
"China was filled with it. He tells of a traditional ceremony where a son of an ill parent "should slice off a piece of his own flesh, boil it, and let (the parent) eat it" (41). There were also passages about eating human flesh in ancient medical texts and historical books (34). One ancient "medical" cure for tuberculosis was to eat a bread roll that had been soaked in human blood (38), a treatment that yielded few survivors. In one historical text the meat of a human infant was mentioned as being a delicacy (38). Also, stories have been documented in that famines in China have caused villages to resort to cannibalism in order to survive. Just prior to the revolution, a fellow member of Lu Xun's hometown of Shaoxing, Xu Xilin, was executed for a revolutionary-based murder of a Qing official. When he was captured the bodyguards of the official cut out Xu Xilin's heart and liver and ate them (38). "
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Kuru Disease, 2003.
This paper discusses Kuru disease, a rare prion disease caused by cannibalism.
1,610 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Kuru disease is found among natives in the eastern highlands of New Guinea who eat the brains of deceased relatives to honor them. The author points out that it is similarity to other spongiform encephalopathies, now known as prion diseases. The paper looks at the biochemical features of the disease and reviews prion diseases in general.
From the Paper
"Kuru disease is one of a family of diseases known as prion diseases because they are caused by an abnormal form of the prion PrP protein found in membranes. The family includes Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease."
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Donner Party, 2006.
A review of the Donner Party and how the Donner name became one of the most unfairly maligned family names in American history.
2,394 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the Donner Party, one of the great survival stories in the expansive history of the American taming of the West. According to the paper, the Donner Party resorted to cannibalism as a means of survival. The paper discusses how research has shown that these stories of cannibalism, which have caused a painful black mark on the Donner family name, may be completely false as they pertain to the Donners themselves.
Outline:
Donner: The Name of Tragedy
A Media Firestorm Erupts
Cannibalism Accepted as Fact
Conclusion
From the Paper
"For a century and a half, the American public has essentially labeled the Donner Party, and, by extension the Donner family, as cannibals. The sensationalized media reports that first emerged after the rescue of the Donner Party became widely accepted with time, although they were based mostly on unreliable first-person reports and gossip (Donner cannibalism, 2006). In fact, Eliza Poor Donner Houghton, a member of the party, recalls how Donner Party members would read supposed first-person accounts in newspapers and become shocked with how remarkably accurate information was interspersed with wild fabrications and innuendo (Houghton, 1911). "
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The Need To Shock, 2005.
A comparative analysis of the use of satire and sustained irony in "Of Cannibals" by Michel de Montaigne and in "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathon Swift.
1,341 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The use of satire or sustained irony is a rhetorical strategy which an essayist may use to disconcert a blase reader into questioning areas which seem to reveal a certain degree of folly or stupidity. This paper discusses how, whether intended for a scholar such as "Of Cannibals" by Montaigne or intended for the general populace as in "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathon Swift, caustic wit becomes the means to critique society to a more receptive and entertained audience. It looks at how Swift and Montaigne choose their rhetorical strategy for the impact it would have on the reader in the hope of gaining interest in the cause or ideology they believed in.
From the Paper
"Ireland was poverty stricken due to a massive famine and oppressive taxation by the British in Jonathon Swift's era. "A Modest Proposal" was intended to provoke concern over the quandary of the poor. The state of affairs in Ireland was unsound due to the lower classes continuing to yield large families in the midst of a famine with little work to be had and the upper classes who were indifferent in regards to the welfare of the poor populace. Swift chose to adopt the personae of someone writing a "serious letter" to address the situation and offers the idea of finding "a fair, cheap and easy method of making" (Swift 217) the "children sound, useful members of the commonwealth". (Swift 217) This method involves offering the children for sale as food for the nobles."
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