Abstract This paper discusses the evolution of Greek statues over the centuries. It presents an overview of Greek statuary, focusing on the Archaic period and the High Hellenic period. The paper specifically focuses on and compares the kouros of the Archaic period and the depiction of Demosthenes from the High Hellenic period in order to understand how the changes came about.
Table of Contents:
Overview
The Archaic Period: the Kouros
The High Hellenistic Period: Demosthenes
Comparing Statues
Conclusion
From the Paper "The kouros was never intended to represent a single individual. Instead, such statues were intended to represent a group of people, being that of idealized male youths at the height of their sexually attractive state. However, the statue of Demosthenes is clearly a representation of a single individual. It does not merely represent a group of people, being an idealized representation of the group "philosopher." Rather, the statue of Demosthenes is what Pedley calls a "psychological portrait" (352) of a living being, unlike the ambiguous kouros who exists suspended outside of time."
Abstract This paper explains why anthropological archeologists are interested in cultural evolution, discusses the Spencerian and Darwinian models of cultural evolution, identifies the key characteristics of tribes, chiefdoms, and archaic states, and analyzes what kinds of material remains might archaeologists find most useful in their search for a better understanding of how prehistoric cultural evolution worked.
Abstract This paper describes the use of the word "like" in its two least popular meaning among English lovers and most common form among English speakers: the quotative, as in "and I was like, 'what?'", and the hedge word, as in "I like bombed on that exam". The author points out that, although she feels embarrassed about how her use of the word affects people's perception of her intelligence, she feels very strongly, as others do, that the current uses of the word "like" have very real, even innovative, purposes. The paper relates that the ability of "like" to indirectly quote or relay speech, behavior and thought with one word sets it apart from other words with similar functions. The author states that she sometimes uses the word to be purposely and purposefully imprecise. The paper concludes that informal usages of the English language help communicate sincerity and friendliness and demonstrate a natural process for the standard to eventually become archaic.
From the Paper "But, despite what Lily Thorns may like to believe, the quotative and hedge-word "like" were not born of wealthy teenaged girls from Southern California in the 1980s. In the 1962 novel "A Clockwork Orange" by English author Anthony Burgess, the hedge-work "like" is also frequently used by the narrator, Alex - a young man of high intelligence, in fact. The usage is not exclusively American. I also notice it was used by my aunt and uncle, both of whom are in their 50s and were born and raised in Manchester (as was Anthony Burgess, for that matter), as a hedge word--although usually at the end of their sentences, much like the hedge-phrase "as it were". "
Abstract This paper explores how the Persian Wars changed the society of the Greeks, with a special focus on Athens. It attempts to compare the Archaic and Classical periods socially and culturally by using the Persian War as the fulcrum between Archaic and Classical. It also addresses the Persian War as the instigator of resistance that prompted changes within the classical period. It examines the changes in politics, art, literature, economics and intra-poleis relations.
Outline
Democratic Expansion
'Poliscentrism' vs. Imperialism ? The Athenian Empire
Economics ? Money, Money Makes a Man
The Progression of the Arts: The "Explosive" Archaic and the "Golden Age"
"There is No Growth Without Resistance" ? A Conclusion
From the Paper "The reforms of Solon did little to advance democratic rights for the Athenians, whilst he certainly took the first step in ending debt-bondage, it can hardly be considered a leaping bound for democracy. In 508 BC, Cleisthenes reorganised political groupings into a great number of tribes so as to break the strength of the clans. Cleisthenes then set about embedding main constitutional power in the Assembly; in spite of this the check of power was still held by elected archons and those of the Areopagus who were almost always of the aristocratic elite. The limitation on how far democracy was allowed to go was always in place. The Archaic Period in regards to the fulfilment or expansion of democracy, and certainly in comparison to the changes to be made in the Classical Period was more the planting of a seed - that would be later cultivated by Pericles."
Abstract This paper briefly examines the history of ancient Greek art. It focuses on several periods - Archaic Period, Early Classical Period, Golden Age, Late Classical Period and Hellenistic Period. Different types of art forms are discussed and examined how they developed during these periods. The influence of other cultures on Greek art is also analyzed, namely Middle Eastern and Egyptian.
Outline
I. Introduction
A. History
B. Cultural influence
II. Archaic Period (600-480 B.C.)
A. Egyptian influence
B. Middle Eastern influence
III. Early Classical Period (480-450 B.C.)
A. New humanism led to balanced human form
B. Marble and bronze figurines
IV. Golden Age (450-400 B.C.)
A. Temples of the Athenian acropolis
B. Parthenon sculptures
V. Late Classical Period (400-300 B.C.
A. Expression of emotion
B. Individualization and three-dimensional movement
VI. Hellenistic Period (323-31 B.C.)
A. Nike and Aphrodite
B. Terra-cotta figurines
VII. Conclusion
A. Importance of masterpiece copies
B. Influence of Greek culture
From the Paper "The earlier great cultures of Egypt and the Near East were making art long before the Greeks and much of the early Greek art looks Egyptian, with its stiff and profiled poses and boxy geometric designs. Moreover, the Greeks borrowed the ideas, motifs, conventions, and skills from these earlier civilizations (Tansy 1996). However, it was the Greeks who made the leap into naturalism and in their representations of the human body created an ideal of perfectly balanced proportions that has never been improved upon. Although, we often speak of Greek and Roman in the same breath, the greatest accomplishments of Greek art were five centuries old by the time the Romans began to copy them. "
Abstract Ancient Egypt had a significant impact on early Greek culture, as can be evidenced by enduring artifacts. Egyptian sculptures, primarily created for the pharaohs or high-ranking officials and essentially religious in function, significantly influenced the form and style of statues of the early Archaic Age. Poses were rather rigid and very conventional and facial expression was confined to the typical Egyptian half smile. The paper shows that over time, Greek artisans began developing their own approach. By the late Archaic and definitely prior to the beginning of the Golden Age or Classical Period, artwork started to reflect evolving philosophies and ideals and to celebrate the human figure. Sculptures portrayed more elaborate features and less static stances.
From the Paper "The statues also represented the society's hierarchy. At the bottom of the rung were the slaves, tomb builders and farmers. Further up came the craftspeople, educators, doctors, noblemen and priests. The pharaoh filled more than the role of king and ruler. He was considered a god on earth. (Grant 1990, 23) Egyptians used the size of their statues to illustrate the social order. The pharaoh was larger then life size, scribes and court officials life size and workers and peasants always shown working. The images of the pharaoh, always larger than life, made him appear all the more god-like. The large works of sculpture were often displayed at temples that were built for the pharaoh's chosen deity."
Abstract The period covered by the term 'Ancient Greece' is a long one, encompassing the Mycenaean period and the subsequent so-called 'Dark Age' (c.1600-900 B.C.), the Archaic Period (c.900-480 B.C.), the Classical period (c.480-323 B.C.) and the Hellenistic period (c. 323-146 B.C.). This essay discusses the Mycenaean, Archaic and Classical periods, using the literature of some of the richest cultural epochs in Ancient Greek history to illuminate questions of freedom in the society of Greece during that time. Works examined include Homer's "The Iliad" and "Hymn to Demeter", Socrates' "Apology" and Sappho's "Hymn to Aphrodite".
From the Paper "Socrates was a man; no woman could have been brought before a court to face the charges he faced because no woman had the freedom to travel, to question, and to speak in public. Women were perhaps the largest class of the Ancient Greek population to be excluded from the exercise of many of the freedoms we would recognize as important today: political participation, ownership of property and wealth, pursuit of education and careers. Women in the classical period were restricted in their free choice of marriage partners; any dowry was effectively the property of the husband, denying the woman financial independence (Sealey, 67, 77); these restrictions were less evident by the later Hellenistic period, in which women possessed more freedom in their personal lives and control of their own financial affairs (Sealey, 94)."
Abstract This paper addresses the archaic institution of Roman Catholic education in Canada, as carried over from the mid-19th century, and the coincidence of this separate school administration, publicly funded, proving most helpful in the present. According to this paper, it's an archaic institution dating from a different day, of assumed Protestant/Roman Catholic disunity, and the French/English question in central Canada, now adapts well to high Roman Catholic immigration from diverse parts of the world. This paper shows that old institutions can have unexpected benefits in the present.
From the Paper "Public learning in the Province of Ontario continues to reflect some patterns that are rather old, but have proven adaptable, into the present. Of particular interest is the continuation of a separate Roman Catholic educational system, left over from the first half of the 19th century. It was then considered impossible for a secular system to accommodate both Protestants and Roman Catholics, just as the gap between Franco-Canadians and others was seen as a fact of life, as something that a system of universal education would have to address. "
Abstract The paper discusses the limited rights of women in archaic Athens regarding ownership of property. The paper looks at Frederick Engels belief that women's oppression was an unnatural consequence of property relations and was essential for the survival and the privileges of men. The paper therefore shows how Engels' theory on the oppression of women confirms the formal and legal position of women in archaic and classical Athens.
From the Paper "Law in ancient Athens forbade a woman from engaging in business transactions with money value in excess of five or six days' food for her family (Thompson 2005). Buying anything beyond that required the approval of a male guardian. Ownership of property was likewise complicated and frustrating to her. She might have owned and used a slave, clothing, furniture and jewelry every day but she could not sell or give any of them. She might have claim over land but had no right either to use or sell it. Her rights over property did not mean or include ownership (Thompson)."
Abstract The Greeks honored the gods through sculptures. This paper examines the triumphs and advances of Classical Greek sculpture during the different periods in Greek history.
Outline
Introduction to Classical Greek Sculpture in Historical Perspective
Transition from Archaic Period to Early Classical (ca. 480 BCE) favoring Contrapposto over Koroi.
High Classical Period (450-430 BCE) Symbolized by Athenian Acropolis.
Late Classical Period (430-323 BCE), between Peloponnesian War and the Death of Alexander the Great,
Conclusion: Hellenism Marked by Influence of Alexander the Great's Travels.
From the Paper "Rigid kouroi and kourai softened into the marble marvels of the works of Phidias and Polycletius. The pursuit of perfection was itself honed like the artists? bronze and stone palettes as larger-than-life statues graced majestic monuments and temples. Increasingly realistic bodies, viewable from all possible angles, epitomize Classical Greek sculpture. The Archaic period preceding it demonstrated the Greek values of perfection and symmetry; these qualities were held under scrutiny during the following centuries. Close scrutiny of the human form in action and as a stationary body yielded tremendous improvements in the effectiveness and accessibility of sculpture during the Classical Age of Greece. "
Abstract This paper provides discussion and analysis of John Stuart Mill's ?On Liberty,? focusing on his conceptions of individuality and conformity and the effects of these two contrasting categories on society as a whole. Mill places great importance on a people's ability to exercise individual choice, arguing that our very humanity is defined by our ability to make our own decisions. One of the greatest champions of the power of the individual, Mill urges people to avoid conformity, or blind, unquestioning adherence to existing norms, even if those norms are archaic, and do not make logical sense within the context of contemporary society. Conformity, he argues, causes society to stagnate ? if societal constructions are never questioned or challenged, nothing will ever change and society will cease to progress. This paper examines Mill's theory as it applies to 19th century Britain and Western society in general (seen by Mill as in danger of succumbing to conformity), focusing on issues of censorship and the strict moral codes of the period.
From the Paper "He argues that what renders a person human is his/her ability to choose, and that by blindly adhering to custom a person rejects his/her humanity and individuality. In order to be an individual, one must understand previous customs but then interpret them and, if necessary, change them to fit one's personal views and lifestyle. He places great value on individuality; not only is it crucial to the proper development of the human being, but to the development of society, for without it society will become stagnant and immobile. That is, if people stick to customs without questioning whether those customs are applicable to their lives and times and adjusting them appropriately, their societies will cease to progress. He applies his theories to 19th century Western society, warning that modern censorship and strict regulations hinder the development of the individual, and consequently the society. No greater responsibility, importance, and glory can be placed on individuality than are placed by Mill."
Abstract This paper discusses The Kroisos, from Anavysos, Greece whose composition is dated before or around 530 BCE. This dating locates the Kroisos period of composition far before the more commonly known classical period of ancient Greek sculpture. It examines the style, form and the creative intention of the sculptor and compares them to early Egyptian and Roman sculpture. It argues how, at first glances, the plainess of the Kroisos is disappointing, but if the gazer is willing to look beyond initial impressions, he or she may very well see the beginnings of what would become one of the most influential and moving periods in the depiction of the human frame.
From the Paper "The Kroisos is a young man, with long hair. His hair is curled in texture, and almost seems like a string of stone beads rather than an actual individuated head of hair. His nose is rather flat. He appears to be smiling about something. However, rather than a depiction of joy, his smile has a uniform, generic quality to it. He smiles but unlike the ?Mona Lisa,? his smile does not seem directed at the gazer, nor about something in his line of vision, much less an important thought perplexing his mind. The sculpture's tone of commonality of representation rather than individuation of representation, is further emphasized by the smooth, almost lidded expression to the Kroisos? eyes."
Abstract Compared to the ancient landmass, humans are a recent arrival to what is considered the state of Virginia. This essay documents the extent to which human land use has impacted the Virginian landscape.
Table of Contents:
Ancient Virginia
Arrival of Humans
Archaic ? Woodland Period
Europeans
Conclusion
From the Paper "Undoubtedly, Virginia is old with complex geology, to the west lies the ancient Appalachian and Blue Ridge province, formed on the margin of Laurentia during the Proterozoic over 1,100 million years ago. The largest physiographic province in Virginia is the Piedmont (appendix 1) comprised of weathered bedrock, overlain with saprolite, eroded in stream valleys. The Coastal plain is a terraced landscape, the bedrock consists of igneous and metamorphic rock, with various layers above comprised of sediment deposited in warm shallow seas, and eroded clay, sand, and gravel stripped from the Appalachians (Roberts and Bailey 2001). Remaining temperate forests seen below, possibly began forming about 10,000 years ago, when the Virginian shoreline extended some 30 miles further east onto the continental shelf, and glaciers withdrew as the climate warmed, though temperatures were still much colder than today (Riparian Forest Buffers 1996). The piedmont to the west, and coastal plain to the east is a dynamic environment, continually undergoing change through natural processes."
Abstract This piece analyzes an article on the accreditation of universities. The slant of the article is that the accreditation system is archaic, pedantic, and has no real utility. Using two supporting article, the author of this piece agrees with the primary article and argues that as college degrees become more important and colleges themselves become more numerous, having valid information on how well a particular school is doing is essential before enrolling. The author goes into detail as to why the current accreditation system is fundamentally flawed and offers some guidelines on how colleges should develop a more honest, accurate, and useful accreditation system more focused on the consumer. The end result will be that college shoppers won't have to rely on the media for such information.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the Roman and Greek ideals of marriage. The essay analyzes the Roman virtues of marriage and compares it with Greek virtues of matrimony (with respect to the women of the archaic and classical periods). The paper uses "Women in the Classical World" as a reference book for the essay.
