Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the interrelationship between ethics, aesthetics, criticism, and art. The writer describes how criticism interacts closely with each of the other aspects.
From the Paper "W J Bate xiii commented that the great justification of criticism at any time is that it can help to bring into focus and emphasize the function of the arts and of the humanities themselves. Inevitably, criticism enjoys close synergies with both aesthetics and ethics, as well as with a group of four principal players, artist performer, critic ,evaluator, audience, market and manager entrepreneur and a set of four outer forces culture and society law and politics economics and finance and science technology ... "
Abstract This paper explores the origins of evil symbols including the pentagram, the eye (the evil eye, the third eye), the horns, the cross, the ankh, the number "6" and the snake. It investigates the reason why these common symbols have become associated with evil in today's society. The paper includes many high quality images of the symbols.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The History of Evil Symbols The Eye, The Evil Eye, The Third Eye
Horns
The Cross
666
The Snake, The Serpent
From the Paper "There are many symbols commonly found in art, architecture, and literature which are associated with evil. These symbols have come to denote evil or are used to add evil meaning to otherwise ordinary things, yet the true origin of such symbols is historically not linked to evil at all."
Abstract This paper discusses Shakespeare's use of symbolism in his play "Hamlet" and cites literary critics to support its thesis. While the play is rich with symbolism, the paper explains that the most important symbol is the ghost of Hamlet's father, who makes his appearance near the beginning of the play. The paper details the symbolic significance of the appearance of the ghost and analyzes how it serves as a call to action for the confused young prince, which fuels the action of the rest of the play.
From the Paper "As T.S. Eliot once stated, "Hamlet the character has had an especial temptation for that most dangerous type of critic: the critic with a mind which is naturally of the creative order, but which through some weakness in creative power exercises itself in criticism instead" (Sacred Wood, p 83). As that observation implies, it is not so much that Hamlet cannot make up his mind about the symbolic significance of the ghost and what exactly he should do to avenge his father's death; it is just that he continually second-guesses himself. As Eric Levy suggests, "As a rational animal, a man is one who thinks. But the play problematizes [sic] the proper exercise of thought by which man sustains this identity. In one of the earliest scenes, Bernardo, Francisco, and Marcellus tell Horatio, who at first doubts their word, that they believe they have seen Hamlet's father's ghost. Horatio waits with them for the ghost to reappear. When it does, Horatio asks it "What art thou, that usurps't this time of night" (Act1.1.46). He also tells the ghost, who does look like King Hamlet, to identify himself: "b heaven, I charge thee, speak!" (Act1.1.49)."
Tags: ghost, father, symbolism, horatio, bernardo, francisco
Abstract This paper presents an investigative look at the use of symbolism in literature. Author Nathan Hawthorne used many symbolism opportunities in his works "The House of Seven Gables." The writer of this paper explores the symbolism and comments on its effectiveness.
From the Paper "Throughout history the authors of literary works have used symbolism to develop a story or create an understanding. Many of the classics are filled with symbolism, and it is that very symbolism that causes the story to stick in the reader's mind and heart and make the story a classic. In The House of Seven Gables the author, Nathaniel Hawthorne displayed a particularly subtle talent at lacing the story with symbolism for the reader to stumble upon in his journey. Through the use of symbols, we are given the opportunity to view many aspects of the story from a third vantage point, and one that makes it clear for us to understand. The symbolism in House of Seven Gables, works to unite the ideas and emotions that run through the book's underpinnings and brings the reader to the same mindset the author had as he penned the words. The use of symbolism in this story creates the ability to develop the character of the story itself and bring it to its three dimensional existence."
Abstract This paper provides a complete description of what is the "Menorah" and why it is important in Judaism. Its symbolism is explained as well as a history of the symbol. Biblical references are provided which show the origins of customs related to the menorah. Finally an explanation is given about the festival of Hanuka and the Menorah's role in this holiday.
From the Paper "The menorah, originally a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple, is one of the oldest symbols used by the Jewish faith. In contrast to the ancient menorah of Exodus is the Chanukkah menorah with eight candles, which is used today. The use of eight candles celebrates the miracle that a small amount of oil lasted for eight days. Today's nine-branched menorah is used to celebrate Chanukkah, the festival of lights which occurs near the winter solstice. A ninth candle, the shamesh, is used to light the other eight, one night at a time, for the eight days of Chanukkah."
Abstract An analysis of three of Robert Frost's most well-known poems. Part II discusses the symbolism in ?After Apple Picking,? ?Birches,? and ?The Road Not Taken.? Lastly, this paper concludes with remarks concerning the long-term impact of Frost's poems.
From the Paper "Robert Frost is one of the most well-known yet least understood American poets. Like Edgar Allen Poe, Henry David Thoreau, and numerous other well-renowned poets, Frost had an uncanny ability to write about the interaction and relationship between individuals and nature in a remarkably simple yet eloquent manner. In many of Frost's poems, he recognizes the beauty of nature, but is also puzzled and sometimes troubled by its continuous change. What is particularly brilliant about Frost's poems is that they are written in such a way that it is not possible to determine a universal meaning."
Abstract The most striking feature of the collective body of critical response to "Billy Budd" is the sheer volume of differing interpretations of the piece's symbolism. Despite the profusion of differing opinions regarding "Billy Budd", there are two main schools of thought that most scholarly responses tend to represent. In this paper, I will briefly outline both of these critical theories and the principal symbols that support each.
Describes the symbolism that was lost in the translation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" from Russian to English and also takes a look at the general symbolism of the book and some history.
Abstract Explains some history of Russian dialogue, Russian history, and Fyodor Dostoevsky's life experiences. It tells the symbolism of the names in "Crime and Punishment," how Fyodor Dostoevsky was imprisoned, and the history of Russian tsarist government.
From the Paper "Authors write their novels using literary techniques such as symbolism. However, when entire novels are translated from the native language to another, there are some things that are lost in translation. Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote Crime and Punishment in Russian and when the novel was translated to English, symbolism was lost in translation. The symbolism requires knowledge of Russian history and language and some history of Fyodor Dostoevsky's life, to know and understand. Without prior knowledge of the use of some names and words, the symbolism is unknown to the reader."
Abstract This five page paper critically examines John Steinbeck's short story, 'The Chrysanthemums' in order to extract the symbolism of the tale. It looks at the central characters of Elisa, Henry and the stranger to evict a deeper understanding of both the characters and the elements of the story. The writer demonstrates that through the symbols, Steinbeck expresses the undercurrent of frustration throughout the tale.
From the Paper "There are many famous short stories, such as Ernest Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants" which, although startlingly short, reveal major insights about both the central characters as well as humanity in general. Through heavy yet artful symbolism, an author can make something seemingly confusing or insignificant manifest itself into a hugely relevant detail. John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums" is one of those tales. Utilizing a variety of symbols, such as Elisa's clothing, images of inside versus outside, fights and flowers, carefully placed throughout the short story, Steinbeck highlights the emotional separation of the main couple--Elisa and Henry--until it appears completely devoid of all hope for any recovery."
Abstract An analysis of the Maltese home as a reflection of the image of the people. The author investigates the symbolic meaning of the rooms, how they are built and decorated to explain the Maltese culture.
From the Paper "Definition of the image and meaning of the house can help explain the differences between cultures: Homes are a reflection of its inhabitants and collectively they can form the image of a people. The Maltese home is the center of life for many a housewife. The concept and application of women's emancipation have still to make an impact on a large number of the women in Malta, many of who still feel that the main purpose in her life is to provide a good home for the requisite husband and 2.4 children. The Maltese housewife is still, as a rule, the queen of her castle and woe betide anyone who may sully her doorstep!"
Abstract This paper considers the problem of social order in a micro-sociological context, by looking at the works of symbolic-interactionist H. Blumer. It attempts to explain the reason we are able to do things collectively as a society.
From the Paper "Each of the main sociological paradigms has a different explanation for the problem of social order; that is, how are members of a society able to do what they do together. This paper will attempt to explain my view that the reason we are able to do things collectively as a society is because, as individuals, we can rationally decide what our goals are, what our best course of action is to attain those goals, and where necessary, we are able to interpret and interact with our surroundings towards completing what we set out to do."
Abstract This paper examines examples of various tokens, which represented as pre-writing symbols. The author points out what tokens indicate about early civilizations. The paper relates the emergence of new systems of record keeping.
From the Paper "Numerous scholars have presented evidence indicating that tokens often made of clay and presented in various significant sizes markings and shapes were used to keep accounts of financial and other transactions or accounts of grain jars of oil or units of land. These tokens, which appeared in such cultures as that of the Sumerians and other Near Eastern peoples, represented a first step toward the development of a written language as well as a system of numerical record-keeping of ..."
Abstract This paper presents a brief examination of Carl Whitaker's Symbolic-Experiential Family Systems Therapy, looking at its history, strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and applicability. The paper also examines how the therapy fits into Christian thought.
From the Paper "The ultimate basis for Carl Whitaker's Symbolic-Experiential theory of counseling can be traced back to Alfred Adler and the use of an holistic theory of personality and model of psychopathology in combination with a humanistic philosophy. Adlerian psychotherapy speaks of challenging clients through a type of Socratic dialogue where they are encouraged to correct mistaken assumptions, attitudes, behaviors and feelings about themselves and the world. The objective of therapy is to replace exaggerated self-protection, self-enhancement and..."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion of the use of symbolism, images and metaphor in Sophocles drama "Antigone", and how they function in the action of the play. It looks at the plot and characters and how Antigone's initial disobedience sets the drama into motion.
From the Paper "Antigone's manifest action is fairly straightforward but uncommonly strong conflicts and ideas are embedded in the action and embodied by the characters. King Creon's niece Antigone daughter of Oedipus disobeys a direct royal order against performing a burial of her brother dishonored in the horrific late siege of Thebes. When she is found out she defies Creon who condemns her to a slow death in a sealed cave. Challenged in turn by his son Haemon who was betrothed to Antigone and the irksome soothsayer Tieresias who reminds Creon that ..."
Abstract This paper examines the geographic symbolism used by Ralph Ellison in his "Invisible Man." Specifically, the paper focuses on the rural, the urban and the wild as geographic locales and considers what Ellison intends for each of them to represent.
From the Paper "Ralph Ellison's novel "Invisible Man" is a remarkable story of one man's experience with racism and his struggle to carve a meaningful identity for himself in pre-Civil Rights America. Indeed Ellison's protagonist perceives himself as invisible, essentially ignored by those who refuse to acknowledge not only his existence but that he might be a powerful worthy individual. In this light "Invisible Man" traces the protagonist's journey from his childhood and college days in the rural Deep South to his urban experience in the streets of Harlem."
