Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Calasso Chapter 12 and Reflection
Let me start off by saying that the content for this test has been much easier to study than the last two! I have enjoyed going back and reading about the group and individual presentations. While I am a bit nervous for how specific the test will be on these presentations, I am ready to get it over with!
I thought of reading another chapter in Calasso as kind of a chore (since it is going to be on the test and all), but after reading the first paragraph, it was anything but. The whole story revolves around Cadmus looking for his sister, Europa. I really enjoyed reading about the title of the book and its meaning: "The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony." I found the whole music thing as a trick to be very intruiging, along with Harmoney falling in love with a man that was based solely on someone elses description. ("She was falling in love with her friend's desire, and at the same time she went on looking around in desperation")
"So it was that the bull, like Typhon, solemnly promised Cadmus a woman, and something else as well: he would sleep with Harmony and be "savior of the cosmic harmony."
This quote from page 381 reflects the relationship between the music, and Harmony the woman. When Cadmus arrived in the Kingdom he was granted Electra's daughter... Harmony.
I was really glad that I finally got my questioning of the title of this book answered! Though there is a lot more information in chapter 12, I wanted to focus on Cadmus and Harmony, and how they came about.
To sum up my e-journal from this class, I wanted to mostly focus on what I learned. Like I underlined in my speech, I had always looked at the name Ruth as "old lady" and with no significance. While I always knew it was biblical, I never took the time to read the story behind Ruth! I wish that instead of complaining about my name to my parents, I would have took the time to research it on my own. This class has honestly given me a new appreciation for my name and I definetely needed that! I also really enjoyed looking at the biblical and classical traditions as literature and not as lessons and morals to be preached. The unbias approach Dr. Sexson took I thought was very professional and really helped me learn it in a literature context. I am very happy that I took this class and think it opened my eyes to alot of things that I was close minded with. Overall, it was an awesome experience personally and educationally!
I thought of reading another chapter in Calasso as kind of a chore (since it is going to be on the test and all), but after reading the first paragraph, it was anything but. The whole story revolves around Cadmus looking for his sister, Europa. I really enjoyed reading about the title of the book and its meaning: "The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony." I found the whole music thing as a trick to be very intruiging, along with Harmoney falling in love with a man that was based solely on someone elses description. ("She was falling in love with her friend's desire, and at the same time she went on looking around in desperation")
"So it was that the bull, like Typhon, solemnly promised Cadmus a woman, and something else as well: he would sleep with Harmony and be "savior of the cosmic harmony."
This quote from page 381 reflects the relationship between the music, and Harmony the woman. When Cadmus arrived in the Kingdom he was granted Electra's daughter... Harmony.
I was really glad that I finally got my questioning of the title of this book answered! Though there is a lot more information in chapter 12, I wanted to focus on Cadmus and Harmony, and how they came about.
To sum up my e-journal from this class, I wanted to mostly focus on what I learned. Like I underlined in my speech, I had always looked at the name Ruth as "old lady" and with no significance. While I always knew it was biblical, I never took the time to read the story behind Ruth! I wish that instead of complaining about my name to my parents, I would have took the time to research it on my own. This class has honestly given me a new appreciation for my name and I definetely needed that! I also really enjoyed looking at the biblical and classical traditions as literature and not as lessons and morals to be preached. The unbias approach Dr. Sexson took I thought was very professional and really helped me learn it in a literature context. I am very happy that I took this class and think it opened my eyes to alot of things that I was close minded with. Overall, it was an awesome experience personally and educationally!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Final Paper
One who perceives the biblical and classical traditions as merely irrelevant, ancient literature could not be more incorrect. By living in Western culture, most are somewhat familiar with the biblical tradition, while the tension between the two has been somewhat lost. The tension between the biblical and classical traditions is more than just comparing a Sunday school class to watching Disney’s Hercules. These two ancient texts have had a lasting effect in history, and have continued to shape beliefs and literature to this day.
It is quite obvious to conclude that beliefs and society today would not be what they are without these traditions. One example would be the concept of death. The beliefs surrounding death differs significantly in both traditions and continues to effect our beliefs towards this formidable concept today.
But man dies, and is laid low;man breathes his last, and where is he?As waters fail from a lake,and a river wastes away and dries up,so man lies down and rises not again;till the heavens are no more he will not awake,or be aroused out of his sleep. (Job 14:10-12)
This excerpt underlines the biblical conception of death. Redemption is what truly sets the two traditions apart in regards to death. The bible underlines the belief that redemption refers to the existence of the heavens. The classical tradition on the other hand focuses largely on what is below the earth (also known as Hades). These beliefs have shaped the way people today feel towards death. Deciding between cremation and burial, and whether or not to have a funeral is a direct correlation to the beliefs of these traditions. Relationships also differ significantly between the traditions. The biblical emphasizes the importance of marriage as a lifelong bond. The classical on the other hand emphasizes having numerous spouses and relationships involving incest, which is nothing close to that of the biblical.
The roles of women in these traditions seem to be somewhat contradictory at times, but nonetheless still relevant to women today. Both traditions share a similar characteristic…both revolve around a patriarchal society. Could the story of Persephone and Demeter quite possibly be the result of the view of feminism as beautiful? And could the book of Genesis reflect the attitudes towards women throughout history? Women in centuries past have been treated inferior to men, which is a view that derived from biblical times. Eve was created from one of Adam’s ribs which many perceive as the answer to why men are superior to women. Also, Eve was the first person to betray God by eating the forbidden fruit which resulted in more negative feelings towards women. These feelings have been revealed throughout history and are unfortunately still somewhat prominent in society today.
Literature also has a direct correlation to these two traditions. Almost every piece of literature during any time period is somewhat influenced by Greek mythology or biblical stories. “Paradise Lost” by John Milton is an exceptional example of a biblical influence in British literature in the sixteenth century.
“Of Man’s First Disobedience and the Fruit
Of that Forbidden Tree, Whose mortal taste
Brought Death into the World, and all our woe,
With loss of Eden, till one greater Man
Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat,
Sing Heavenly Muse, that on the secret top
Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire
That Shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed,
In the Beginning how the Heavens and Earth
Rose out of Chaos…”
This excerpt from Milton’s “Paradise Lost” reflects the book of Genesis. The shepherd in this excerpt is Moses, who was granted the vision of the burning bush on Mount Oreb. Almost every stanza in “Paradise Lost” could be directly correlated to a book in the bible, which underlines the lasting effect that the bible has on literature. The Grapes of Wrath is also an excellent example of biblical influences. It emphasizes the lasting effect of the biblical tradition because The Grapes of Wrath was written only decades ago.
While all literature is merely a displacement of myth and should not be taken literally, it can be hard not to. The biblical and classical traditions are probably the two most famous ancient texts, and it can be hard not to take such acclaimed work literally. What is truly important though is how the individual perceives the myths. The biblical and classical traditions are more than just famous literature that is read in school or at church, they are the building blocks not only for literature, but also society. Without them we would be living in a much different society today, one that is almost unimaginable.
It is quite obvious to conclude that beliefs and society today would not be what they are without these traditions. One example would be the concept of death. The beliefs surrounding death differs significantly in both traditions and continues to effect our beliefs towards this formidable concept today.
But man dies, and is laid low;man breathes his last, and where is he?As waters fail from a lake,and a river wastes away and dries up,so man lies down and rises not again;till the heavens are no more he will not awake,or be aroused out of his sleep. (Job 14:10-12)
This excerpt underlines the biblical conception of death. Redemption is what truly sets the two traditions apart in regards to death. The bible underlines the belief that redemption refers to the existence of the heavens. The classical tradition on the other hand focuses largely on what is below the earth (also known as Hades). These beliefs have shaped the way people today feel towards death. Deciding between cremation and burial, and whether or not to have a funeral is a direct correlation to the beliefs of these traditions. Relationships also differ significantly between the traditions. The biblical emphasizes the importance of marriage as a lifelong bond. The classical on the other hand emphasizes having numerous spouses and relationships involving incest, which is nothing close to that of the biblical.
The roles of women in these traditions seem to be somewhat contradictory at times, but nonetheless still relevant to women today. Both traditions share a similar characteristic…both revolve around a patriarchal society. Could the story of Persephone and Demeter quite possibly be the result of the view of feminism as beautiful? And could the book of Genesis reflect the attitudes towards women throughout history? Women in centuries past have been treated inferior to men, which is a view that derived from biblical times. Eve was created from one of Adam’s ribs which many perceive as the answer to why men are superior to women. Also, Eve was the first person to betray God by eating the forbidden fruit which resulted in more negative feelings towards women. These feelings have been revealed throughout history and are unfortunately still somewhat prominent in society today.
Literature also has a direct correlation to these two traditions. Almost every piece of literature during any time period is somewhat influenced by Greek mythology or biblical stories. “Paradise Lost” by John Milton is an exceptional example of a biblical influence in British literature in the sixteenth century.
“Of Man’s First Disobedience and the Fruit
Of that Forbidden Tree, Whose mortal taste
Brought Death into the World, and all our woe,
With loss of Eden, till one greater Man
Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat,
Sing Heavenly Muse, that on the secret top
Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire
That Shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed,
In the Beginning how the Heavens and Earth
Rose out of Chaos…”
This excerpt from Milton’s “Paradise Lost” reflects the book of Genesis. The shepherd in this excerpt is Moses, who was granted the vision of the burning bush on Mount Oreb. Almost every stanza in “Paradise Lost” could be directly correlated to a book in the bible, which underlines the lasting effect that the bible has on literature. The Grapes of Wrath is also an excellent example of biblical influences. It emphasizes the lasting effect of the biblical tradition because The Grapes of Wrath was written only decades ago.
While all literature is merely a displacement of myth and should not be taken literally, it can be hard not to. The biblical and classical traditions are probably the two most famous ancient texts, and it can be hard not to take such acclaimed work literally. What is truly important though is how the individual perceives the myths. The biblical and classical traditions are more than just famous literature that is read in school or at church, they are the building blocks not only for literature, but also society. Without them we would be living in a much different society today, one that is almost unimaginable.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
The last few days have not only been very informative, but also very entertaining! The biblical version of the Jerri Springer show was absolutely hilarious, and my personal favorite. Im looking forward to seeing the rest of the presentations!
After doing the reading for our presentation, I found the story surrounding Judas and Jesus to be extremely interesting, but also posing some questions. Obviously my group found it interesting. (Since we did include it in our court room drama) The whole story is a famous one, and I can remember learning about it in Sunday school when I was little, but I don't ever think I have thought about it in this way before. I found it a bit weird why Judas would carry through with his betrayel even after Jesus announces at the last supper that someone was going to betray him. Could this possibly mean that Judas was destined to do it? I just wouldn't understand why he would go through with it after it was announced to all the apostles. I also find the excuse Judas gives of being "taken over by Satan" to add to the mysteriousness of this story.
After doing the reading for our presentation, I found the story surrounding Judas and Jesus to be extremely interesting, but also posing some questions. Obviously my group found it interesting. (Since we did include it in our court room drama) The whole story is a famous one, and I can remember learning about it in Sunday school when I was little, but I don't ever think I have thought about it in this way before. I found it a bit weird why Judas would carry through with his betrayel even after Jesus announces at the last supper that someone was going to betray him. Could this possibly mean that Judas was destined to do it? I just wouldn't understand why he would go through with it after it was announced to all the apostles. I also find the excuse Judas gives of being "taken over by Satan" to add to the mysteriousness of this story.
Friday, November 18, 2005
After reading the book of Job and discussing it in class, I have found the majority of the themes to be somewhat unpleasent and pessimistic. Though the book kept my attention and interest, the concepts of undeserved suffering and the principle of reward and punishment were quite distressing. On Monday we discussed the heart of tragedy, which is the concept that things can not get any worse. A common thought reflecting the heart of tragedy would be, "I wish I never had been born." While this theme in Job is interesting, I can't help but feel a little worse than I did before I started reading it.
Another theme we discussed in class was suffering, and that people who are TRULY innocent do not suffer. This concept was an interesting one considering how much people think about this today. In society today it is taught that "sometimes bad things happen to good people," which is probably what most people in the world beleive. Personally, I can not think of one person who has not suffered in some way... mental or physical, and I was pretty sure that these people did not to do anything to deserve this suffering. This theme in Job totally contradicts this view people today have on suffering, and leaves me with the question... what did I do to deserve all of the suffering I have experienced in my life? Eventhough I do disagree with this concept a little bit, I feel like I shouldn't because it is a biblical, which makes me think I need to beleive it. I am definitely between a rock and a hard place on this one!
Another theme we discussed in class was suffering, and that people who are TRULY innocent do not suffer. This concept was an interesting one considering how much people think about this today. In society today it is taught that "sometimes bad things happen to good people," which is probably what most people in the world beleive. Personally, I can not think of one person who has not suffered in some way... mental or physical, and I was pretty sure that these people did not to do anything to deserve this suffering. This theme in Job totally contradicts this view people today have on suffering, and leaves me with the question... what did I do to deserve all of the suffering I have experienced in my life? Eventhough I do disagree with this concept a little bit, I feel like I shouldn't because it is a biblical, which makes me think I need to beleive it. I am definitely between a rock and a hard place on this one!
Monday, November 07, 2005
The last few days in class we have been discussing the concept of wisdom in Proverbs, Jobs, and Ecclesiastes. I never have really understood the different perspectives of wisdom in the bible... I always figured there was just one. After reading exerpts from each book, I realized that there are two different perspectives of wisdom. The two different perspectives include the Polonuis perspective which Proverbs belongs in, and also the Hamlet perspective which Job and Ecclesiastes belong in. (They are also catagorized as type A and type B)
The wisdom perspective in Proverbs (type A) compares acceptive and preverse and gives good examples of ampathetical parallelism. On the other hand, Jobs and Ecclesiastes reflect the Hamlet perspective. (Or type B) Both Ecclesiastes and Jobs reflect this perspective with their speculative and pessimistic definition of wisdom. Ecclesiastes especially focuses on the contradictions in life in order to teach wisdom. "A time to kill, a time to heal" basically sums up the spectulative and pessimistic approach of these two books.
I also found the concept of "new" to be somewhat interesting. I never really thought about it in that sense before... that nothing is really new. Everything that is new to me, is mearly repetition. It makes my classes seem much less appealing now, and gives me a negative view on learning. (Not a good thing!) I don't feel special now when I think I know how to do something and that Im the only one that can... because someone at sometime did it better. The reality of this concept kind of sucks!
The wisdom perspective in Proverbs (type A) compares acceptive and preverse and gives good examples of ampathetical parallelism. On the other hand, Jobs and Ecclesiastes reflect the Hamlet perspective. (Or type B) Both Ecclesiastes and Jobs reflect this perspective with their speculative and pessimistic definition of wisdom. Ecclesiastes especially focuses on the contradictions in life in order to teach wisdom. "A time to kill, a time to heal" basically sums up the spectulative and pessimistic approach of these two books.
I also found the concept of "new" to be somewhat interesting. I never really thought about it in that sense before... that nothing is really new. Everything that is new to me, is mearly repetition. It makes my classes seem much less appealing now, and gives me a negative view on learning. (Not a good thing!) I don't feel special now when I think I know how to do something and that Im the only one that can... because someone at sometime did it better. The reality of this concept kind of sucks!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
In class on Wednesday Dr. Sexson asked us what the master-plot referred to on page 221 of the Oreseia. I found the master-plot to refer to a fight. In the Classical tradition there is a lot of fighting going on that is a result of revenge. On page 221 it says...
" The master-plot that bound my wretched father, shackled his ankles, manacled his hands."
To me, this reflects actions from a fight. This is just an idea, and I am interested to see what others say about the master-plot!
" The master-plot that bound my wretched father, shackled his ankles, manacled his hands."
To me, this reflects actions from a fight. This is just an idea, and I am interested to see what others say about the master-plot!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Furies, Gargons, Herpies
One of my favorite things in class to talk about is how discusting, nasty, frightful, grotesque, monterous, and repolsive the furies are! (Those are just a few of the many adjectives that could possibly fit these creatures.)
I knew from class that they were females of retribution that were terrifying, but not supernatural. I took a look at a few of the images I found on the internet... The first three links are ones of furies. The last one of the links of Furies is one of women possibly dressing up as them for Haloween, though I think they could have gone even uglier!
http://www.semsk.kz/entert/vallejo/images/1991/furies.jpg
http://grenier2clio.free.fr/grec/image/orestes_furies.jpg
http://users.firenet.uk.com/icsteel/downloads/Furies.jpg
Gargons are a monsterous feminine creature whoes appearance would turn anyone who looked at them into stone. Here is an image that I found online that fit this description...
http://www.eselkunst.com/images/0704/gorgons_grey.jpg
Herpies were at one time beautiful winged maidens, but then turned monsterous. Here is a link I found to get a better idea of their appearance.
http://www.creatures-imaginaires.com/02_creatures/harpies/harpies_83.jpg
I knew from class that they were females of retribution that were terrifying, but not supernatural. I took a look at a few of the images I found on the internet... The first three links are ones of furies. The last one of the links of Furies is one of women possibly dressing up as them for Haloween, though I think they could have gone even uglier!
http://www.semsk.kz/entert/vallejo/images/1991/furies.jpg
http://grenier2clio.free.fr/grec/image/orestes_furies.jpg
http://users.firenet.uk.com/icsteel/downloads/Furies.jpg
Gargons are a monsterous feminine creature whoes appearance would turn anyone who looked at them into stone. Here is an image that I found online that fit this description...
http://www.eselkunst.com/images/0704/gorgons_grey.jpg
Herpies were at one time beautiful winged maidens, but then turned monsterous. Here is a link I found to get a better idea of their appearance.
http://www.creatures-imaginaires.com/02_creatures/harpies/harpies_83.jpg
