Abstract In this paper, the writer describes the meaning and symbolism found in HansChristianAnderson's "The Philosopher's Stone". The author examines the allegorical meaning behind the garden motif and blindness in the story. The paper also considers the intellectual times in which Anderson wrote this work, including the problems facing the 19th century. Despite these problems, Anderson concludes with encouraging his audience to have faith in humanity.
From the Paper "The mid to late 19th century was a time of questioning and change. It was the period that saw the prominence of revolutionary thinkers like Freud, Marx, and Darwin and literary innovators like Dickens and Zola. Thinking people of the period questioned what had come before them, but more importantly questioned what life had become. Social commentary and revolutionary thinking took center stage in this period (Morris). Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Philosopher's Stone" comments on what has become of life by seeking the answer to one of the most important questions for humanity: What happens after death? Andersen uses this question to guide his tale. As Andersen has the characters search for the Philosopher's Stone, he weaves social commentary into the tradition of fairy tales in this piece from 1859."
Abstract This paper traces the life of HansChristianAnderson from the time of his birth in Odense, Denmark in 1805. It examines his education, his relationship with his parents and his writing career. The paper discusses Anderson's works, including his first novel, "The Improvisatore" and subsequent texts such as his famous fairy tales such ("The Princess on the Pea," "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Ugly Duckling" and others). The paper reflects on Andersen's important contribution to the world of children's literature.
From the Paper "An examination of the distinctive characteristics of his writing illuminates their enduring quality and his contribution to children's literature. One of the key characteristics, which makes Anderson's tales lively and interesting, is his use of the oral narrative. His tales often begin with a question that draws the readers or listeners into the story. By adopting the perspective of his characters, Andersen brings them alive, whether they are trees, trolls or sparrows. His vivid description of the Emperor's court in "The Nightingale" with its lavish and exotic objects evokes the mysterious and exotic quality of the Orient."
Abstract This paper examines how violence is used by both Charles Perrault, in "Bluebeard" and HansChristian Andersen, in "The Ugly Duckling" to present a moral lesson. The paper describes the way in which the two tales apply a characteristic literary technique, foreshadowing, to engage the reader and to make the moral message of the stories more intellectually credible by making the stories themselves more intellectually credible and more palatable to younger readers.
From the Paper "How Violence Can Serve the Moral Good: An Examination of Bluebeard and The Ugly Duckling The following paper will compare and contrast two famous children's stories - Charles Perrault's Bluebeard and Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling - and highlight their use of violence. Specifically, the paper will look at how violence in both texts is used only to further the moral purpose of the text. To do this, the paper will examine the limited existence of violence in both texts; the paper will also examine how a conventional narrative technique, foreshadowing, is skillfully employed by both writers to engage the reader and build both stories to their dramatic conclusions. Finally, the paper will note how violence is used to bolster the moral lessons to be taken from each narrative and how it may be said that violence is essential to the required lessons being learned. "
Reviews Virginia Anderson's "Creatures of Empire", which discuses the problems of the coexistence of the English and Indians in early colonial America.
1,360 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, 2007, $ 45.95
Abstract This paper explains that Virginia Anderson's "Creatures of Empire", which explores the relations between English settlers and Indians in early colonial America, argues about the significant part English animals, especially cattle and pigs, played in advancing colonization. The author points out that Anderson believes that these animals, as tools of settlement, succeeded in complicating relations between natives and colonists because they forced adaptation and change on the native peoples previously content without them. The paper concludes that Anderson wrote that the friction between these two peoples progressively increased, aided in large part by disputes over domesticated animals, which led eventually to the outbreak of violence in the mid 1670s.
From the Paper "Informed by pretentious attitudes, settlers assumed that the obvious benefits of husbandry regarding livestock and farming, just like civility and Christianity, would work as a testament to themselves, convincing the Indians quite effortlessly of their superior nature. Wholly champions of Indian adoption of husbandry practices in favor of a Christian life, even when small disputes played out, the English solution typically involved an attempt at compromise with the Indians while continuing efforts to impress upon them husbandry."
Tags: husbandry christian dominion free-ranging, cultural identity
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty in China in respect to their societies and economies. It further examines the civilizations' social classes, economic activities, family and the role of women. It also examines the ideologies of each civilization through philosophy and religion, and those influences on each society as a whole.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Social Classes and Status
III. Economic Activity
IV. Family
V. Role of Women
VI. Conclusion
From the Paper "The period between 200 BC and 200 AD was a fascinating period in the world's history. During this time several legendary figures walked the earth. People like Jesus Christ, Julius Caesar, and Cleopatra. Great empires like the Roman Empire (27 BC to 5th century AD) in the west and the Han Dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD) in the east ruled over vast sections of the world population. The impact and legacy of these two empires on world history are undeniable. In this paper a comparison of the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty will be made with particular focus on the society and economy as well as the lives of the people during the times."
Tags: China, Roman, Ceasar, Liu Pang, Confucius, Christianity
Abstract This paper analyzes the films of writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson. It explores common themes in his films, "Hard Eight," "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia" and "Punch-Drunk Love." It discusses Anderson's cinematic techniques bold camera work and superior scripts. The paper also includes biographical information on Anderson.
From the Paper "With only four feature films to his credit, Paul Thomas Anderson has established himself as one of Hollywood's most gifted contemporary authors. As writer and director and sometimes producer of his movies Anderson not only maintains artistic control he brings ..."
Tags: Films, Movies, Anderson, Magnolia, Sandler, Writer, Director, Valley, Cruise
Abstract This paper describes the differences between Sherwood Anderson, an American author, and Sir Francis Seymour Haden, a British artist. It compares their major works and discuses three main similarities between them.
From the Paper "Sherwood Anderson is a well-known archetype of an American torn between success and creativity. He walked out of his office as president of his own manufacturing company in Ohio, not only giving up a dream of becoming rich in American business, but also abandoning his responsibilities as a husband and a father. He gave up business for literature. Winesburg, Ohio and The Egg and Other Stories are good examples of how he incorporated his own dramatic life experiences into his writing. Sir Francis Seymour Haden was a successful doctor, and found that his amateur etching helped discipline his hand for surgery. Haden continued with his hobby until it helped him to become one of the best landscape etchers of all time. Realism is the attempt, in literature and art, to depict life as it actually exists. Sherwood Anderson and Sir Francis Seymour Haden use themes of solitude, self-reflection, and nature to portray realism. "
Abstract This paper is very in-depth and complex as it delves into Greek and Classical philosophy and the Christian religion with its Jewish roots. The paper discusses differences and similarities between different classical philosophies and Christian thought and how each has influenced the other. The paper first defines Christianity as a philosophy and explains why it can be considered as such; it sets up a basis for comparison. Then the paper discusses the similarities between Christianity and "pagan" philosophies. When that subject is exhausted, it moves on to contrast the two. After the general classic philosophies, the paper compares and contrasts the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, specifically, to Christianity. Finally, the paper "presents an argument for Christianity as a complete philosophy in the manner in which it can satisfy discrepancies in other philosophies while defending some of its own." The paper looks at problems with Greek philosophies and how Christianity solved them or presented an alternative.
From the Paper "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown, I am going to proclaim to you" (Acts 17:22-23, NIV). These words, spoken by Paul, mark the introduction of Christianity in Athens, Greece, a center of philosophy in the ancient world. Paul goes on to explain the heart of the religion to a group of Epicureans and Stoics in the marketplace. Some of the men "sneer" at him, but others ask him to speak of these "strange ideas" more so that they can understand. Acts 17:34 goes on to tell of several Greeks who become Christians as a result of Paul's message. The acceptance of Christianity as a new and interesting idea by some of the Athenian philosophers implies several things: first, that Christianity was itself viewed as a philosophy; second, that Christianity must have had something in common with the major philosophies of the day; and finally, that Christianity must have offered to some what the other philosophies of the day did not. Making these statements at this point in my paper may seem presumptuous; however, I am prepared to discuss my conclusions, first by showing that Christianity is a philosophy in the true sense of the word, then by comparing it to other philosophies, and finally, by showing how it "fills in the gaps" of other Greek philosophies."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth discussion regarding the Church's position on politics. The author covers such issues as school prayer, evolution, abortion, censorship, euthanasia, the Democratic Party, and the separation between church and state.
From the paper:
"Christians have had a lock on education and government for a very long time, and they are reeling from the strides society has made away from myth and fantasy. They are ill equipped to handle their loss of power, because they have never had to deal with such a situation in their recent history."
"Christianity could not survive politically without support from a major political party, of which there are two. Irrespective of which political party Christians had allied themselves to; it would still have to compromise its beliefs. If they had chosen the Democratic Party, Christians would have had to accept a political platform that was open to homosexuals and women's liberation. The Democratic Party is also a party that is for religious freedom of choice, this to be expected from liberal organizations. The Democratic Party also has a liberal stand on censorship, which is in direct opposition to the Christian fundamentalist social agenda. For these reasons, and many others, the Christians kept shopping for a political home."
Abstract This paper discusses contemporary Christian art. The paper looks at how the variation in works of Christian art corresponds to the variation in Christian faith. It explains that some Christian art reflects a traditional Catholic perspective and draws on centuries of traditions of Catholic art, while other Christian art reflects the doctrinal practices and emphases of a range of sects, from Quakerism to Pentecostal.
From the Paper "Contemporary Christian art is much like contemporary Christianity in general. There is as much variation in works of Christian art as there is variation in Christian faith. Some Christian art reflects a traditional Catholic perspective and draws on centuries of traditions of Catholic art. Other Christian art reflects the doctrinal practices and emphases of a range of sects from Quakerism to Pentecostal. And much of what artists might call Christian art because it reflects their own beliefs as Christians might not generally be classified as Christian art by..."
Abstract This paper looks at the concept of social problems and how they are perceived and dealt with differently by Christians and non-Christians. The types of problems this paper discusses include substance abuse and domestic violence. Both of these subjects are viewed very similarly by modern Christians as well as non-Christians, although historically this was not always the case.
From the Paper "There are many social problems that plague western society, from alcoholism to serious drug abuse, from teen pregnancy to spousal battery. For as many problems as we have, there are a variety of causes and solutions that have been presented. One way of categorizing the types of solutions offered are as Christian and as non-Christian. It would take volumes to fully list and describe all of the social problems and the multitudinous solutions offered by Christians and non-Christians alike, so only a few will get attention here."
Abstract The paper discusses Christianity and qualifies the various states of adherence of peoples calling themselves Christian. The paper states that each sincere Christian, in order to develop in his faith, should remain a disciple of the faith and should also engage in education and focus on children in various age groups, or on adults in an effort to further their discipleship.
Outline:
A Biblical Obligation
The Nature, Purpose and Goals of Christian Education
How Persons Learn and Grow in Christian Faith
Methods of Learning and Growth within the Church Context
Methods of Learning within the Context of the World
Leading and Teaching the Christian
From the Paper "Christianity is one of the major world religions today. This may however be deceptive, as many call themselves Christians simply because they grew up in a Christian home, or go to church simply out of habit. There are however those who sincerely attempt to follow the precedents of Christianity, and others who sincerely seek respite from the difficulties of the world by means of prayer and worship. These sincere few take issues such as education and discipleship seriously. Each sincere Christian, in order to grow and develop in their faith, should remain disciples of the faith. In addition, Christians should also engage in education. Christian education might take a variety of forms. Mainly, education can focus on children in various age groups, or on adults in an effort to further their discipleship."
Abstract An analysis of several aspects of Christianity including morals and truth. The paper details the following four major ideas according to Christianity: Certitude, morality, belief and compassion. A definition of these four concepts as well as examples of how they are defined in Christianity is discussed. In conclusion, the paper states that sometimes Christianity sells uncertainty and vagueness. The author advises questioning.
From the Paper "Morality is subjective and intangible. It is different for all of us. Some people may believe that premarital sex is awful, while many others may not understand what all the fuss is about. Weather or not you think that morality is subjective or not, the fact remains that none of us can reach a consensus about what is right and what is wrong. Most of us are content to live and let live. As long as our neighbor isn?t doing something to us directly we can, for the most part, overlook their idiosyncrasies. If we are doing something in the privacy of our own homes that affects no one but ourselves we expect to be left alone. One of the many problems with Christianity is its inability to accept the fact that morality is subjective."
A letter written to the Roman Emperor Diocletian, on the various aspects and causes for the rise of the Christian religion in light of the book, ?The Rise of Christianity? by Rodney Starks.
Abstract The letter explains that the reasons for the continued success of the Christian religion in the Roman empire lies in its policies of tolerating alien gods, the belief and practice of martyrs which strengthened the Christian religion, and the willingness of the elite, the educated and the general masses in accepting the Christian religion.
From the Paper "My dear Emperor, another reason for the speedy rise and growth of Christianity amongst the Romans is our belief in many gods, and their strong belief in one god, also termed as Monotheism. As you are well aware, that Roman Pagan religion does accept the presence of a dominant god, yet, the presence of other gods makes our religion polytheism, and it is here where our true conflict begins."
Abstract St. Thomas Aquinas contributed a great deal to the entirety of Christian Theology both during and after his life; particularly in his writings. St. Thomas, as he is referred to in short, was an astute Biblical scholar who was as devoted to the faith in human reason as he was in God. St. Thomas' tome, Summa Theological, is, literally, the summation of his understanding of theology. In this work Aquinas single-handedly justified and 'proved' the whole of the spiritual nature, the soul, God, and a Christian life. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the contributions of St. Thomas Aquinas to Christian theology and his impact upon Christianity itself.
