1.
2. SirJohn Mandeville came across some very interesting people groups on his journey. The reason they are so interesting is because, they are very different. For example, on the Isle of Dondun, people eat eachother to figure out if they should be allowed to live. The devil within these people gives the final say regarding the life or death sentence. Another type of "people group" found on another isle have no heads and their eyes are on their shoulders! On Mandevilles other journey, he came across other folk who all had flat, ugly faces. They had two small holes for eyes and a small mouth, with no lips.
Of course, after reading about the first group of folks that Mandeville came across on his journey, I realized that these "people groups" were not real. While reading, I couldnt find any similarities to real people groups, but instead, I just found them to be completely absurd and random. My overal response to this journey is that, it was all imagined and made up! It was rather random and I do not really know how to respond to the absurd "creatons"!
3. Columbus expected a world somewhat, untouched by reality. A world where people were truly free. Free enough to not worry about worldly things and to concentrate on the important things. I do think that his religious background did influence his expectations of the new world. For example, "the people of this island, and of all the others... all go naked, men and women... there are palm-groves, and tree's, and fruits, and plants therein." The description found within "Concerning the First Voyage" are at first, very parallel to the garden of Eden, the place human life all began.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Praise of Folly
Within the second paragraph of The Praise of Folly by Erasmus of Rotterdam, he criticizes the church by saying that we as church goers are hiring "some flattering orator or lying poet from whose mouth we may hear their praises, that is to say, mere lies...." Within the first section of Erasmus' piece, he creates an image of a church that is prideful. As the main character, Folly continues, he explains that many rhetoricians think themselves "in a manner gods... and believe they have done a mighty act...." Also, Folly continues saying that the readers of this time continue to just shake their heads and smile acting as if they truely understand the confusion around them, hoping to gain more acknowledgement from their neighbors.
Although there is a certain amount of truth and reality within Erasmus' piece, he looses my agreement when he explains that if men would "but refrain from all commerce with wisdom and give themselves to be governed by me (Folly), they should never know what it were to be old, but solace themselves with a perpetual youth." This is completely not a biblical mentality. Theologically, God created us as being who not only naturally become older, but through the older age, more wisdom is attained. Also, Folly encourages his readers to not commerce with wisdom but rather give themselves up to being irrational, foolish ways. First of all, according to Matthew 16:24, the scriptures explain that we need to be dieing to ourselves to find true life. We should not be giving ourselves up to our own sinful, foolish ways but rather, "giving ourselves up" for the cause of Christ. God pleads time and time again for us to run after wisdom and to seek her face within the Proverbs. In Job 12:12-13, "With the aged is wisdom, and with length of days comes understanding," it reminds us that those who are older have a greater understanding and have wisdom. Overal, Erasmus' The Praise of Folly, is not an accurate reprentation of biblical truth.
There is a large amount of satirical language and tone within Erasmus' piece. His satire is used as he brings up very serious, powerful arguments regarding the church and government. Within the last sentences of The Praise of Folly, Erasmus closes by stating, "I hate a man that remembers what he hears. Wherefore farewell, clap your hands, live and drink lustily, my most excellent disciples of Folly." After writing pages upon pages of strong opinion and controversial idea's, sarcasm is within his last statement. This is exactly what keeps him protected from controversial negative reactions because, although readers may have become worked up in certain sections of this piece, they leave somewhat confused. Satirical language is a very sneaky tool to use when attempting to prove your point. Not only does it help you prove your case in a rather surprising way, but it leaves the reader seeking truth. Satire gets people worked up and yet, they leave with a statement like above, and are able to instead, think about all that was layed before them in a more logical, personal way. This is why using satire within an argument typically keeps the speaker protected from backlash.
Although there is a certain amount of truth and reality within Erasmus' piece, he looses my agreement when he explains that if men would "but refrain from all commerce with wisdom and give themselves to be governed by me (Folly), they should never know what it were to be old, but solace themselves with a perpetual youth." This is completely not a biblical mentality. Theologically, God created us as being who not only naturally become older, but through the older age, more wisdom is attained. Also, Folly encourages his readers to not commerce with wisdom but rather give themselves up to being irrational, foolish ways. First of all, according to Matthew 16:24, the scriptures explain that we need to be dieing to ourselves to find true life. We should not be giving ourselves up to our own sinful, foolish ways but rather, "giving ourselves up" for the cause of Christ. God pleads time and time again for us to run after wisdom and to seek her face within the Proverbs. In Job 12:12-13, "With the aged is wisdom, and with length of days comes understanding," it reminds us that those who are older have a greater understanding and have wisdom. Overal, Erasmus' The Praise of Folly, is not an accurate reprentation of biblical truth.
There is a large amount of satirical language and tone within Erasmus' piece. His satire is used as he brings up very serious, powerful arguments regarding the church and government. Within the last sentences of The Praise of Folly, Erasmus closes by stating, "I hate a man that remembers what he hears. Wherefore farewell, clap your hands, live and drink lustily, my most excellent disciples of Folly." After writing pages upon pages of strong opinion and controversial idea's, sarcasm is within his last statement. This is exactly what keeps him protected from controversial negative reactions because, although readers may have become worked up in certain sections of this piece, they leave somewhat confused. Satirical language is a very sneaky tool to use when attempting to prove your point. Not only does it help you prove your case in a rather surprising way, but it leaves the reader seeking truth. Satire gets people worked up and yet, they leave with a statement like above, and are able to instead, think about all that was layed before them in a more logical, personal way. This is why using satire within an argument typically keeps the speaker protected from backlash.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Don Quixote
Within Miguel de Cervantes piece, Don Quixote, there are many elements of Renaissance-style Humanism. First of all, its important to know what humanism meant during this time period. According to http://www.jcn.com/humanism.html, Renaissance styled humanism is "the spirit of learning that developed and renewed confidence in the ability of human beings to determine for themselves truth and falsehood." Being that Don Quixote is a story that discusses a man who so deeply immerged himself within fictional stories that he himself now is in a fictitious "reality" as a knight, this enables the readers, such as myself, to determine the truth value of Don Quixote as a knight. Cervantes upholds humanism during his time by allowing the character, Don Quixote to display important knightly characteristics. If Cervantes did not want to uphold Renaissance-style Humanism within this literature, he would not have had Quixote become more knightly as the story progresses. Being that Quixote does progress into a more mature "knight" this forces readers to ask themselves, "is Quixote truely a knight or just a crazy man living in a fantasy world?"
I think the overal attitude the author has towards his main character lessens the opinion readers have in regards to Quixote. There were moments within the piece that it was difficult not to think that Quixote wasnt crazy. Also, one of the ways the writing influenced my opinion was that, i felt sympathy for Quixote which, in the end would be very offensive to a "knight." I do not necessarily think that Quixote is insane and, i confidently do not think that his surroundings make him "appear crazy." Its possible that Quixote started out a little crazy and this is supported by page 2229, "our gentleman became so immersed in his readings... he eventually went out of his mind." Clearly, Quixote did go out of him mind but, I think that towards the end, when he was given support, he really did end up showing very strong characteristics of a knight. Win a dier situation, Quixote did rise to the occasion and not only helped a young boy from being beaten, but also did so with great confidence. This confidence is found on page 2239, "He will do nothing of the sort," said Don Quixote. "It is sufficient for me t command, and he out of respect will obey." It may just be my optimistic ways revealing themselves but, I dont think Quixote was crazy. He was definitely a little odd and could have probably chosen better choices of words in certain situations but, overal, he was just in his own world. In this world of his, he was a knight who wanted to create justice out of injustice.
I think the overal attitude the author has towards his main character lessens the opinion readers have in regards to Quixote. There were moments within the piece that it was difficult not to think that Quixote wasnt crazy. Also, one of the ways the writing influenced my opinion was that, i felt sympathy for Quixote which, in the end would be very offensive to a "knight." I do not necessarily think that Quixote is insane and, i confidently do not think that his surroundings make him "appear crazy." Its possible that Quixote started out a little crazy and this is supported by page 2229, "our gentleman became so immersed in his readings... he eventually went out of his mind." Clearly, Quixote did go out of him mind but, I think that towards the end, when he was given support, he really did end up showing very strong characteristics of a knight. Win a dier situation, Quixote did rise to the occasion and not only helped a young boy from being beaten, but also did so with great confidence. This confidence is found on page 2239, "He will do nothing of the sort," said Don Quixote. "It is sufficient for me t command, and he out of respect will obey." It may just be my optimistic ways revealing themselves but, I dont think Quixote was crazy. He was definitely a little odd and could have probably chosen better choices of words in certain situations but, overal, he was just in his own world. In this world of his, he was a knight who wanted to create justice out of injustice.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Paradise Lost
1) Paradise Lost differs from the biblical account because of the perspective. Biblically, the writters are men of God who have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Bible talks about Satan and his demons but it is never written from Satans perspective. With Paradise Lost, the entire book is from Satan's perspective. An example of this perspective is when Satan says, "Either to disenthrone the King of Heav'n We war, if war by best, or to regain our own right lost... (pg 2566, lines 230-232).
2) I think that the reason Milton wrote Paradise Lost is because he wanted to show another aspect of the fall of man. The descriptions, perspectives and language within Paradise Lost really enhance my understanding of the fall of man. The reason it helps me is because, it shows the mentality of our Enemy. I think that we as Christians sometimes forget that we are in battle grounds. Although with Jesus Christ on our side we are victorious, it is important to remember that we have an Enemy.
3) The relationship between Adam and Eve within Book 4 of Paradise Lost is a relationship of understanding and utter glory! Its beautiful! The relationship was a partnership of freedom. Much of the book 4 is explaining this glory and freedom. For example, lines 290 begin "In naked majesty, seemed lords of all, and worthy seemed; for in their looks devine the image of their glorious Maker shone." Both Adam and Eve had a realization of who their Maker was. "Sole partner and sole part of all these joys, Dearer thyself than all; needs must the power that made us, and for us this ample world, be infinitely good... (412-414)." Another aspect of their relationship was, Adam was the head and Eve was "submissive." According the Genesis 3:16, "Your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over." Before the fall Eve did not experience this desire. Their relationship was completely inundated by trust and safety. Adam, "in delight both of her beauty and submissive charms smiled with superior love...."
4) One of the issue's within Paradise Lost is easily applicable to the "contemporary" issues we face today. In Book 9, Even explains to Adam that she is starting to believe their happiness is frail. Adam in response explains that "best are all things as the will of God ordained them...nothing deficient left of all that he created...." Just as Adam had to defend the Lord and his goodness, so we also have to defend our God. Being that life is truely hard as a result of the fall, we will always be having to reclaim the truths of our God. We need to encourage eachother when one is discouraged. Society has a difficult time believing in God because of the pain and hurt around them and just as Adam encouraged Eve, so we also have to "encourage" and live out the power of God and his love to the world around us.
2) I think that the reason Milton wrote Paradise Lost is because he wanted to show another aspect of the fall of man. The descriptions, perspectives and language within Paradise Lost really enhance my understanding of the fall of man. The reason it helps me is because, it shows the mentality of our Enemy. I think that we as Christians sometimes forget that we are in battle grounds. Although with Jesus Christ on our side we are victorious, it is important to remember that we have an Enemy.
3) The relationship between Adam and Eve within Book 4 of Paradise Lost is a relationship of understanding and utter glory! Its beautiful! The relationship was a partnership of freedom. Much of the book 4 is explaining this glory and freedom. For example, lines 290 begin "In naked majesty, seemed lords of all, and worthy seemed; for in their looks devine the image of their glorious Maker shone." Both Adam and Eve had a realization of who their Maker was. "Sole partner and sole part of all these joys, Dearer thyself than all; needs must the power that made us, and for us this ample world, be infinitely good... (412-414)." Another aspect of their relationship was, Adam was the head and Eve was "submissive." According the Genesis 3:16, "Your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over." Before the fall Eve did not experience this desire. Their relationship was completely inundated by trust and safety. Adam, "in delight both of her beauty and submissive charms smiled with superior love...."
4) One of the issue's within Paradise Lost is easily applicable to the "contemporary" issues we face today. In Book 9, Even explains to Adam that she is starting to believe their happiness is frail. Adam in response explains that "best are all things as the will of God ordained them...nothing deficient left of all that he created...." Just as Adam had to defend the Lord and his goodness, so we also have to defend our God. Being that life is truely hard as a result of the fall, we will always be having to reclaim the truths of our God. We need to encourage eachother when one is discouraged. Society has a difficult time believing in God because of the pain and hurt around them and just as Adam encouraged Eve, so we also have to "encourage" and live out the power of God and his love to the world around us.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Everyman
Everyman, written by Dramatis Personae is overflowing with not only biblical references and idea's but also catholic ideas. This story grately reminds me of the infamous Pilgrims Progress. First of all, this story is about a man who goes on a journey. He is sought out by God to go on a journey where he will see all of his good deeds and also his evilness. Just as we are also sought out by God to go on specific journeys, this man was also. Another truth within this story is found within the desolate, lonely Everyman. Just as Everyman was left alone, we also as followes of Jesus Christ may find ourselves "shunned" by the world. God is the only one we can truely count on to see us through. People will disappoint us but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. "In the House of Salvation: We shall find him in that place that shall us comfort, by God's grace (lines 540-545, 1835)."
Not only were biblical truths found within this story but Catholocism also. For example, Everyman makes many references to Mary, the Saints and also to Good Deeds. Although in the end he communes directly to the Lord, he does turn to Mary and other finite beings for the salvation that only is found within Jesus. An example of this is found on page 1830. Everyman says "Of all my works I must show, How I have lived and my days spent... Therefore I pray you go thither with me to help me make mine account, for saint charity."
This story shows alot about the culture during that time period but it is also contemporary and relevant to today. Being that the culture back then was very much impacted by the Catholic church and the idea of "earning" your salvation, this theme is very popular within the piece. Also, Catholic terminology is found within Everyman, words such as penance, confession, saints, the names of the characters.
Aside from the medieval culture idealogies, this continues to be a piece of work that is relevant to modern times. I think the main reason it will always be relevant is because, we as finite human beings will always be on a "journey" and that journey is also known as life. Just as Everyman was attempting to find answers and hope, we as people do that everyday. People take comfort in reading stories such as Everyman because it reminds them that they are no alone in the journeys we find ourselves on. Know matter the era or the year, people will always be able to relate to the "journey" of life, the search for significance and most importantly, salvation.
Not only were biblical truths found within this story but Catholocism also. For example, Everyman makes many references to Mary, the Saints and also to Good Deeds. Although in the end he communes directly to the Lord, he does turn to Mary and other finite beings for the salvation that only is found within Jesus. An example of this is found on page 1830. Everyman says "Of all my works I must show, How I have lived and my days spent... Therefore I pray you go thither with me to help me make mine account, for saint charity."
This story shows alot about the culture during that time period but it is also contemporary and relevant to today. Being that the culture back then was very much impacted by the Catholic church and the idea of "earning" your salvation, this theme is very popular within the piece. Also, Catholic terminology is found within Everyman, words such as penance, confession, saints, the names of the characters.
Aside from the medieval culture idealogies, this continues to be a piece of work that is relevant to modern times. I think the main reason it will always be relevant is because, we as finite human beings will always be on a "journey" and that journey is also known as life. Just as Everyman was attempting to find answers and hope, we as people do that everyday. People take comfort in reading stories such as Everyman because it reminds them that they are no alone in the journeys we find ourselves on. Know matter the era or the year, people will always be able to relate to the "journey" of life, the search for significance and most importantly, salvation.
Lanval
According to the second paragraph within Lanval, written by Marie De France, Lanval was a man who served the King with much humilty. He was a man of "valor, generosity, beauty and prowess (1318)." Although within the Medieval Time period being of high esteem is of great value, one of the other characteristics of Lanval was less honorable. Lanval was consumed by his love for the maiden introduced at the end of the story. "It is my beloved! If she shows me no mercy, I hardly care if anyone should kill me, for my cure is in seeing her (1323)." Within this particular time period, such "head-over-heals" love is not necessarily looked upon with respect. In due time such vulnerability and passion would be recognized as strength but at this point in time, it is not. Another strong character displayed within Lanval is his strength to disregard the strong notions the Queen was giving him. Aside from Lanvals deep passions for his true love, the other characteristics discussed (status and strength) are placed at high value within the Medieval Time period.
Although there were many women within the piece and not only were they just "in the story" but they also played a large role within the story, I do not think this was a femenist piece. The main reason that I do not think that this story was feminist is because Lanvals deep, committed love he had for the maiden. Although typically this would work against my argument, the Medieval Time's were on a brink of change. I think the author was trying to portray Lanval in a positive light. When a man demonstrated his love freely to his maiden, it showed his strength because he was blatently going against those around him, mainly the church.
Although there were many women within the piece and not only were they just "in the story" but they also played a large role within the story, I do not think this was a femenist piece. The main reason that I do not think that this story was feminist is because Lanvals deep, committed love he had for the maiden. Although typically this would work against my argument, the Medieval Time's were on a brink of change. I think the author was trying to portray Lanval in a positive light. When a man demonstrated his love freely to his maiden, it showed his strength because he was blatently going against those around him, mainly the church.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Cantebury Tales
Feminism within The Wife of Bath's Tale"
Some of the feminist ideal's found within this story written by Chaucer is that, women "desure to have the sovereignty and sit in rule and government above their husbands and to have their way in love." Also another feministic idea is that the woman is completely okay that her husband leaves her for younger, youthful virgins to satisfy what God has "called us to."
The woman from Bath grately contrasts to the women of the Medieval Times. The women during that time period longed for their husbands. They were not ready to just let them go and have relations with other younger, "better" women. Another thing that is so different is the attitudes of these women. The woman from Bath has basically hardened her heart and just wants control. "A husband, though-- I've not been thwarted yet-- shall always be my debtor and my slave. " It may look like she just wants sex but, it is so much deeper than that. She wants control and to know that she is able to get what she wants, when she wants it. She also has no sensitivity towards these men that she is manipulating into "love." The women studied within the Medieval Time period had dignity. They valued who they were and in my opinion, were stronger women than this woman from Bath.
The Miller's Tale
I do not see much correlation between The Miller's Tale and the Medieval Ages. Being that I have to choose atleast one similarity, it would have to choose common thread of deciet. For example, this deciet can be found within the following lines: "My husband is so full of jealousy, unless you will await me secretly... You must keep all quite hidden in this case." Clearly this is a woman of little integrity and committment. She is an adulterer and her husband is just backslidden. They together make a fool out of the man who attempts to sleep (once more time) with Allison. This seems to be the norm for these people and in the Medieval Time period, such was not the case.
Some of the feminist ideal's found within this story written by Chaucer is that, women "desure to have the sovereignty and sit in rule and government above their husbands and to have their way in love." Also another feministic idea is that the woman is completely okay that her husband leaves her for younger, youthful virgins to satisfy what God has "called us to."
The woman from Bath grately contrasts to the women of the Medieval Times. The women during that time period longed for their husbands. They were not ready to just let them go and have relations with other younger, "better" women. Another thing that is so different is the attitudes of these women. The woman from Bath has basically hardened her heart and just wants control. "A husband, though-- I've not been thwarted yet-- shall always be my debtor and my slave. " It may look like she just wants sex but, it is so much deeper than that. She wants control and to know that she is able to get what she wants, when she wants it. She also has no sensitivity towards these men that she is manipulating into "love." The women studied within the Medieval Time period had dignity. They valued who they were and in my opinion, were stronger women than this woman from Bath.
The Miller's Tale
I do not see much correlation between The Miller's Tale and the Medieval Ages. Being that I have to choose atleast one similarity, it would have to choose common thread of deciet. For example, this deciet can be found within the following lines: "My husband is so full of jealousy, unless you will await me secretly... You must keep all quite hidden in this case." Clearly this is a woman of little integrity and committment. She is an adulterer and her husband is just backslidden. They together make a fool out of the man who attempts to sleep (once more time) with Allison. This seems to be the norm for these people and in the Medieval Time period, such was not the case.
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