Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the history of how the MontSaintMichel structure was built and how the abbey and the island has been used over the centuries. The writer further traces how the MontSaintMichel evolved from a cultural repository to an abbey, a dungeon and the world heritage site that it is today. The writer then examines the architecture and design of the MontSaintMichel, looking at the village structures as well as the abbey itself. Next, the writer details how the structure has evolved from its original Romanesque design to exhibit the Gothic characteristics that the abbey is famous for today. In addition, the writer looks at the conservation problems that have arisen as a result of all this construction, and the efforts being made to safeguard this world heritage site.
Outline:
History
Architecture and Design
Present Day Architectural Concerns
Conclusion
From the Paper "The structure of the Mont Saint Michel that is familiar today took shape in the early seventh century, an effort spearheaded by Saint Aubert, who was then bishop of Avranches, located just across the Couesnon River. Local legends state that Saint Michael appeared to the bishop, with instructions for the building of a church on the rocky outcropping. Considering the logistical difficulties of such a feat, it is not surprising that Saint Aubert did not immediately follow through, that is, until Saint Michael reappeared and burned a hole into the bishop's skull. The island was therefore officially dedicated to Saint Michael in 708."
"While the Mont Saint Michel is often ascribed religious importance, it also had political and military significances at various times in history. In 933, the Norman invaders embarked on a new conquest, beginning with the annexation of the Cotentine Peninsula."
Abstract This paper analyzes two pieces of art in terms of their content and design, as well as investigating the periods during which these pieces were produced. The two works that are explored are "Landscape with Saint John on Patmos" by Nicolas Poussin and Paul Cezanne's "MontSaint- Victoire". Both images are of landscapes featuring mountains, yet the overall composition and execution of both pieces is remarkably different
Abstract This paper compares Michel Foucault and Jean-Francois Lyotard, both early postmodern philosophers, through the use of two of their works, as well as other sources. These works are Foucault's "The Body of the Condemned" and Lyotard's "The Postmodern Condition". In addition to these works, other information about Foucault and Lyotard is used to indicate the similarities and differences between these two works, their philosophies and their beliefs. While the two works are analyzed, the overall philosophies of Foucault and Lyotard are also addressed.
Outline:
Michel Foucault
Jean-Francois Lyotard
Conclusion
From the Paper "Foucault fits into the general philosophical tradition, but it is the critical tradition, similar to Kant, and most of what Foucault writes about and proclaims is a very critical history where human nature and thought is concerned (Foucault, n.d.). This does not mean that the history of ideas that he discusses is also an analysis of the errors that might be seen when issues are examined after the fact. Instead, it should be taken to mean that Foucault's work is an analysis based on the relationship between object and subject, and what conditions are seen to either form or modify those relationships (Foucault, n.d.)."
Abstract This paper examines how in novels "On the Road" and "Saint Maybe", by Jack Kerouac and Anne Tyler, the authors stress upon life as a set of experiences and how these build a person. It shows how Jack Kerouac's characters go flying off randomly along the twisted contours of their lives in his autobiographical epic "On the Road". In contrast, it also looks at how Anne Tyler in her novel, "Saint Maybe" shows "ordinary" people and their ordinary lives. She displays the fact that people in this world are only human and are hence bound to make mistakes, yet they struggle to survive with the attempt to work out the problems they face in relationships and communication.
From the Paper "The journey of the seventeen-year-old protagonist, Ian Bedloe, begins when he doesn't imagine the consequences of his actions. He suspects there is more to Lucy's past and to the problems of her present, than either Danny or the rest of the family has acknowledged. And one night, when Ian's plans for a romantic evening with his girlfriend-indeed, it is the night he plans to lose his virginity-are disrupted by having to baby-sit Lucy's children longer than he was supposed to, Ian becomes enraged. And so, on the way home, Ian tells his brother what he suspects about Lucy, and also mentions that the daughter, for whom Danny abandoned his studies to marry Lucy, is not his child. In disbelief and horror, Danny commits suicide by driving his car into a wall."
Abstract In this article, the writer argues that although Portia's nature is perceived as saintly and kind, in truth she is a sinner. The writer maintains that while she conceals her sinister nature, portraying herself as God's gift to mankind, having no access to her free will, she utilizes her wit and therefore reveals her true nature as a sinner. The writer further maintains that, even though Portia is portrayed in a saint like manner throughout the play, underneath her facade lies a resentful, indignant Portia, explicitly concerned with the idea of free will. The writer concludes that Portia struggles with the fact that she is unable to choose her own husband, must act accordingly, concealing her genuine nature and must disguise herself as a gentleman to employ her intelligence.
From the Paper "While Bassanio claims his love for this renowned maiden, there is no indication that he has ever met her. Therefore, one must assume that Portia's reputation as virtuous, demure, honorable and desired, made way throughout the immediate area of Venice. Must Portia present herself as virtuous and desirable in order to fulfill her father's legacy? Will she reveal her genuine rebellious nature once she is claimed by a suitor?
"In honor of her father, Portia stays true to her legacy and willingly gives herself up to any suitor who correctly chooses the casket that holds her portrait. Even for the sake of Bassanio, the suitor she fancies, Portia would not break her oath. This is very honorable of her. However, Portia's true incentive is to present herself as a virtuous and righteous woman. In the secrecy of her home, she mocks the suitors, all of whom are foreigners; an immature manner of rebelling against her legacy."
Abstract This paper states that Monet achieves the style of Impressionism through his knowledge of color theory, the physiology of the eye, the science of optics and the nature of light. When viewing Terrace at Saint-Adresse, one gets an impression or visual sensation of the spontaneous light and color of the moment, by using bright, concentrated dabs of color and examining the effects that light on human visual perception.
From the Paper "The most basic elements of a painting are line, shape, light, texture and color, while the most basic elements of composition are centrality, symmetry, asymmetry and balance. Claude Monet's Terrace at Saint-Adresse c.1866 represented a revolutionary approach to the basic elements of painting of his time. Contrary to the popular technical style of Realism, or painting a historically important scene using realistic and smooth strokes to depict fixed details, Monet's painting is an expression of the immediate and ephemeral attributes of nature. When one experiences Terrace at Saint-Adresse, the viewer gets an impression, a visual sensation of the spontaneous light and color of the moment."
Abstract This paper analyzes "The Denial of Saint Peter" by the Dutch artist Hendrick Terbrugghen. The author focuses on the artist's use of line, color, light and dark, area, texture, perspective, volume and assesses their effectiveness.
Abstract This paper analyzes the framing of the film "Household Saints." It explores the narrative and characters of the film. It discusses Nacny Savoca's direction and the film's use of Catholic guilt. The author concludes the film is poor compared to the novel from which it was adapted.
From the Paper ""Household Saints" is a filmed version of the novel by Francine Prose. The film begins with a family picnic somewhere on Long Island ,we think and the tale is told by the old-timers who relate the story of Jo's ..."
Abstract This paper describes Raphael's famous painting "Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints." The paper provides a history of the painting. The author analyzes its composition and colors as well as the conservative style of the painting and its classical details.
From the Paper "Rafaello Sanzio, known as Raphael, painted the "Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints" early in his career The painting was an altarpiece executed for the small Franciscan convent of Saint Antonio de Padova in Perugia and hung in the part of the church reserved for the worship of nuns. (Metropolitan Museum of Art) Also known as the Colonna Madonna or Altarpiece, a reference to Raphael's patrons, the powerful Colonna family the work consists of two main sections..."
Tags: Raphael, Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints
Abstract "Saints in Exile: The Holiness-Pentecostal Experience in African-American Religion and Culture" was written by Cheryl J. Sanders and published by Oxford University Press in 1996. The author is Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at the Howard University School of Divinity, and Associate Pastor for Leadership Development at the Third Street Church of God in Washington D.C. This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes Sanders' book, explaining that the primary focus of the book is the thematic importance of exile in the development of the Sanctified Church.
Abstract This paper takes a look at gothic architecture and the urban planning of medieval towns, focusing specifically on Mont- Saint-Michel on the islet of Mont Tombe. According to the paper, aside from the intrinsic military value of Mont-Saint-Michel, the place served also as a social, cultural and political arena.
From the Paper "Of particular interest in the study of Gothic architecture is the structure standing tall on the islet of Mont Tombe - Mont-Saint-Michel. Before understanding the architectural wonder of this sacred shrine, one must first know the history relevant not only to the place itself but in most areas during the Medieval Period. Since this era has been considered fraught with battles and warfare, building of churches, cathedrals or any holy place at that time was not only in consideration of the religious fervour but in deference to military strategies as well. Religious structures did not serve only as places of worship but of defense or withstanding of attacks from marauding invaders. Mont-Saint-Michel is by any means not an exception since aside from serving the spiritual needs of the inhabitants; its military value was very much taken into consideration."
Abstract The decision by the Allies to attack the Monte Cassino, the "oldest monastic house" in Europe, was not made lightly. In fact, the destruction of the monastery at Monte Cassino, more than any other episode from the Italian campaign of 1943-1945, remains a source of heated debate. This paper provides an overview and background of the events that took place at Monte Cassino in May 1944, a discussion of the Allied decision to bomb the monastery, followed by an analysis of the impact of the attack, and a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "The German commanders did not choose Monte Cassino by accident, and even promised the Vatican that troops would not be stationed there. The monastery also occupied prime real estate that held an eagle's eye view of the surrounding territory and appeared to be unapproachable by all but the most determined invaders. Furthermore, it was the Allied consensus that the Germans believed the monastery's historic and religious attributes would serve to allay any potential attack on their position. Finally, German planning for the imminent Allied assault through Italy was part of the reason for this selection."
Tags: Kesselring, Abbot, Desiderius, Mark, Clark, Gustav, Line
Abstract This paper discusses the Battle of Monte Cassino. The paper analyzes the pros and cons of the Allied Forces? actions during World War II. The paper examines Monte Cassino, which turned into a pivotal series of battles that allowed the combined forces of British and American troops to move forward and eventually liberate Rome from the occupying German forces.
From the Paper "History has been known to repeat itself. Today in Iraq for example, United States and Allied troops are torn when drawing up plans to win the war in the holy land. The problems stem from their not being able to directly attack certain Muslim holy locations or shrines even though Iraqi insurgents are constantly utilizing these positions as sanctuaries and initiation points for waging battles against the allied forces or the new Iraqi government. During World War II, the Axis powers with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi army also attempted to use similar tactics to fend off attacks by Allied forces."
Abstract The paper examines the central theme of hope in A. Dumas's "The Count of Monte Cristo". Hope is vital to Edmond Dante's survival and is also the foundation for the novel that transforms the plot from one of vengeance and justice to a novel that focuses instead on survival. Hope is central to the characters survival and infuses the main character Dante with the strength and courage he needs to overcome his enemy's transgressions and in the end, win back all that is rightfully his. Other themes mentioned include love and human justice, though, according to the paper, ultimately it is hope that drives the plot and encourages the reader to side with Dante and carries him through to his ultimate success in the end. The paper concludes that without the theme of hope, "The Count of Monte Cristo" would fall apart and become a tragic novel of only vengeance, rather than a work of art that inspires readers to stay firm in their convictions and realize their dreams are attainable.
From the Paper "For multiple twisted reasons Dante while mostly innocent is sent to prison for treason. The reasons he is sent to suffer include jealousy and other man's fears that Dante will reveal the worst about their actions. It is in prison that Dante first discovers hope while staying in the Chateau d'If. Here Dante encounters a man by the name of Abbe Faria who teaches Dante much of the world including subjects like history, philosophy and languages (Goldstein, 2005). This helps Dante transform into an educated man, capable of competing against his enemies. In prison Faria also bestows on Dante treasures that he has hid on the island of Monte Cristo. Here Dante discovers hope and discovers that with his newfound knowledge and education he can once more conquer and regain all that is rightfully his."
Abstract The paper analyzes the Mont Blanc advertisement for its watches in GQ magazine and shows that it is quite obviously directed at young males who regularly read GQ to keep abreast of the latest fashion and lifestyle trends for men. It shows that this particular ad is designed to equally appeal to both the "ethos" and the "pathos" of the target audience but completely abstains from any kind of ?logos.? It shows, too, that the ad is clear and consistent in presenting the product as a fashionable accessory for a certain type of personality to wear.
From the Paper "The ad in question does make a definite appeal to the "pathos" of the target audience by using the beautifully shot and presented product to visually appeal to and arouse the desires and emotions of the viewer. Without meaning to belabor the point, it must be remembered that the reader of GQ magazine is specifically seeking information on the latest styles and to that extent, the right visual appeal will succeed in creating the desired imagery in the minds of the GQ readers."
