Finis est venit
Pietas non differet
Mors est necesse
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Epicurean Philosophy
The well known story, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" tells about a little mouse who continually demands more from his human friend. Once he receives his cookie, he craves a glass of milk, and then after he wants a nap...so on and so forth. The story illustrates Epicurean philosophy because the mouse is always wanting more, instead of enjoying what he has at the moment. Epicurius taught to live in the moment, because as mortals, we never know which day may be our last. As a teenage girl, I'm familiar with the saying "Live everyday as if it's your last" and as cliche as it sounds, it directly relates back to Epicurian philosophy and the idea of Carpe Diem. Epicurius also believed that pain is composed of unnecessary desires, which basically sums up the mouse in a nutshell. All of his requests were unnecessary, because he did not need the cookie/milk/or nap.
This is also demonstrated in the story "Cookies" by Arnold Lobel, where Frog and Toad continued to devour delicious cookies, though they knew they shouldn't. After trying to prevent consumption by tieing the box of cookies with a string and putting it on the highest shelf possible, the friends resorted to feeding the cookies to birds, to exemplify their "willpower." The idea of eating more than necessary exemplifies gluttony, considered one of the seven deadly sins. Furthermore, once again the idea of unnecessary desires, leads to pain, which was part of the Epicurean philosophy. Another point is that pleasure should be attained and enjoyed in moderation, and kept in balance to pain, neither in excess.
Another story written by Arnold Lobel, depicts the story of Frog and Toad, where Toad's "List of Things To Do Today" gets blown away by the wind. Toad then faces the problem of not being able to remember any of the events on his list/not being able to run after the list because it was not part of the list. The basic idea of Epicurean philosophy behind this story revolves around the notion of Carpe Diem, once again. Toad's goal of following his "To Do" list constricts life to a piece of paper. Epicurius believed in mortality of humans; unaware of when life is going to end should push one to accomplish what he wants to do as he wishes and "seize the day" as part of his Carpe Diem philosophy.
This is also demonstrated in the story "Cookies" by Arnold Lobel, where Frog and Toad continued to devour delicious cookies, though they knew they shouldn't. After trying to prevent consumption by tieing the box of cookies with a string and putting it on the highest shelf possible, the friends resorted to feeding the cookies to birds, to exemplify their "willpower." The idea of eating more than necessary exemplifies gluttony, considered one of the seven deadly sins. Furthermore, once again the idea of unnecessary desires, leads to pain, which was part of the Epicurean philosophy. Another point is that pleasure should be attained and enjoyed in moderation, and kept in balance to pain, neither in excess.
Another story written by Arnold Lobel, depicts the story of Frog and Toad, where Toad's "List of Things To Do Today" gets blown away by the wind. Toad then faces the problem of not being able to remember any of the events on his list/not being able to run after the list because it was not part of the list. The basic idea of Epicurean philosophy behind this story revolves around the notion of Carpe Diem, once again. Toad's goal of following his "To Do" list constricts life to a piece of paper. Epicurius believed in mortality of humans; unaware of when life is going to end should push one to accomplish what he wants to do as he wishes and "seize the day" as part of his Carpe Diem philosophy.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Horace 1.9
Horace's Poem 1.9 both represents and contrasts Epicurian ideas. For example, in the fourth stanza, Horace writes: "Quid sit futurum cras, fuge quaerere et quem fors dierum cumque dabit, lucro appone nec dulcis amores sperne puer neque tu choreas" meaning, Don't seek for what is going to be tomorrow and whatever days fate will give, count them for profit, and while a young boy, don't reject sweet love and dances." This represents Epicurian ideas because Horace is encouraging the idea of pleasure, instead of focusing on negativity or pain, associated with it. Furthermore, the fourth stanza emobodies a carpe diem motif, reminding me of a poem we analyzed in English called The Passionate Shepherd to His Love. This poem was written from a male perspective, basically urging the object of his affection to succumb to all desires because as mortals, time is not infinite. This goes hand in hand with the Epicurian idea of mortality. Since life is not eternal, Horace is advising the youth to love and enjoy simple pleasures, for one does not know what tomorrow may bring.
Although the poem represents Epicurian ideas, it also contrasts against them. To illuminate, in stanza three, Horace writes: "Permitte divis cetera" meaning "Surrender the rest to the Gods.." A major belief of Epircurius was that Gods do exist, but do not interfere in our lives. Another point in the poem which disagree with the ideas of Epicurius is exemplified when Horace writes "Deprome quadrimum Sabina, O Thaliarche, merum diota" meaning "Oh Thaliarchus, fetch the four year old, pure Sabine wine from its two handled jar." This does not agree with Epicurian values, because drinking only satisfies temporary pleasure, which is a major discrepancy of Epicurian ideals. Furthermore, some people these days may drink, only to numb pain. Alcohol may also be viewed as part of an "unnecessary desire" which was also frowned upon by Epicurian ideals.
Although the poem represents Epicurian ideas, it also contrasts against them. To illuminate, in stanza three, Horace writes: "Permitte divis cetera" meaning "Surrender the rest to the Gods.." A major belief of Epircurius was that Gods do exist, but do not interfere in our lives. Another point in the poem which disagree with the ideas of Epicurius is exemplified when Horace writes "Deprome quadrimum Sabina, O Thaliarche, merum diota" meaning "Oh Thaliarchus, fetch the four year old, pure Sabine wine from its two handled jar." This does not agree with Epicurian values, because drinking only satisfies temporary pleasure, which is a major discrepancy of Epicurian ideals. Furthermore, some people these days may drink, only to numb pain. Alcohol may also be viewed as part of an "unnecessary desire" which was also frowned upon by Epicurian ideals.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sinon's Story
What elements of Sinon's story are particularly effective on the Trojans?
When the Trojans first encounter Sinon, he is miserable, beaten up, and in very poor condition. Anyone with a heart would feel sympathy for him, and spite toward the mistreater.The fact that even though Sinon is a Greek, he is treated so wretchedly, plays on the Trojans' already strong hatred for the Greeks. Furthermore, Sinon highlights Odysseus as one of the major villains, who is infamous for being very deceptive and clever. He also blames Calchas, Odysseus's accomplice, for interpreting Apollo's oracle in that Sinon must be sacrificed. By providing support for Odysseus's deceptive reputation, the Trojan's feel pity for Sinon and do not question his presence. At this point, Sinon has the Trojans in the palm of his hand, with them believing his story, especially the part of him escaping his sacrifice.
The tactic of Sinon, to include bits of truth into his larger, overall lie, makes his story very believable to the Trojans. For example, he claims that the reason the Greeks could not sail home on previous attempts were due to the stormy seas and fierce winds: Sinon convinces the Trojans, "Several times the Greeks, wearied by so long a war, wanted to abandon it, leave Troyland, and somehow effect a retreat...But each time as they were starting tempestuous seas checked them and contrary winds filled them with alarm" (54).
When the Trojans first encounter Sinon, he is miserable, beaten up, and in very poor condition. Anyone with a heart would feel sympathy for him, and spite toward the mistreater.The fact that even though Sinon is a Greek, he is treated so wretchedly, plays on the Trojans' already strong hatred for the Greeks. Furthermore, Sinon highlights Odysseus as one of the major villains, who is infamous for being very deceptive and clever. He also blames Calchas, Odysseus's accomplice, for interpreting Apollo's oracle in that Sinon must be sacrificed. By providing support for Odysseus's deceptive reputation, the Trojan's feel pity for Sinon and do not question his presence. At this point, Sinon has the Trojans in the palm of his hand, with them believing his story, especially the part of him escaping his sacrifice.
The tactic of Sinon, to include bits of truth into his larger, overall lie, makes his story very believable to the Trojans. For example, he claims that the reason the Greeks could not sail home on previous attempts were due to the stormy seas and fierce winds: Sinon convinces the Trojans, "Several times the Greeks, wearied by so long a war, wanted to abandon it, leave Troyland, and somehow effect a retreat...But each time as they were starting tempestuous seas checked them and contrary winds filled them with alarm" (54).
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Question, page 63
The great man in verse 151 prompts us to compare him with Aeneas himself, because of his leadership qualities. In the extended simile, Neptune is described by Vergil: "Just as often, when a riot breaks out in a huge crowd, and the common people rage, torches and stones fly, madness providing arms, if they catch sight of a revered man of deserved respect and duty, they become silent, and stand there listening attentively. He moves their minds with his words and soothes their hearts." The great man is comparable to Aeneas himself, because Aeneas has the same quality that is so revered of Neptune, he is able to captivate and control a large audience. For example, as we have read in our translated text, once Aeneas and the remainder of his fleet get washed upon shore, they are disheartened and discouraged, to say the least. However, Aeneas takes control and presents an inspiring, optimistic speech. He encourages the seven ships of the fleet to remain hopeful, despite all the obstacles they have been burdened with. He basically preaches that at the end of this long, dark tunnel, there will be, and must be, a bright light; just as Third Day sang in their song, Tunnel, "Just remember what I've told you, there's so much you're living for. There's as light at the end of this tunnel."
Aeneas's leadership qualities, his ability to captivate an audience, and his persona which demands respect, after surviving the war, allows us to compare him to the "great man" in verse 151.
Aeneas's leadership qualities, his ability to captivate an audience, and his persona which demands respect, after surviving the war, allows us to compare him to the "great man" in verse 151.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Modern Day Epic
One of the most popular contemporary epics is the Lord of the Rings series, originally the three volumes: The Fellowship of the Rings, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Lord of the Rings can be considered an epic because first of all, the novels are so long. The novels, all together, exceed over 1,100 pages, which is a typical characteristic of an epic.
Furthermore, the subject of the series is very serious: Frodo, the hobbit, among with his fellowship, risk their lives to destroy the ring of Sauron, the Dark Lord, who looks to control all of Middle Earth. The quest Frodo undergoes, to destroy the ring categorizes it as a modern day epic, because the novels are saturated with many heroic deeds. For example, in the first novel, when Frodo's uncle, Bilbo, can no longer take ownership and responsibility of the ring, because it is too tempting and powerful, Frodo agrees to take hold of it, though he is aware what dangers come by association. At the end of the Fellowship of the Rings, Frodo realizes that he must separate from the group, in order to keep everyone else safe, and to prevent the self-destruction of each other member of the fellowship. The many heroic deeds Frodo, and even other members of the fellowship, are characteristics that compose the epic.
Epic poetry is comprised of one single combat, and in the Lord of the Rings, though there are many, small battles, in the second novel, The Two Towers, there is by far, the most notable battle. The battle is the focus of almost the entire second half of the movie, between the Uruk-hai and King Theoden's force.
Furthermore, the subject of the series is very serious: Frodo, the hobbit, among with his fellowship, risk their lives to destroy the ring of Sauron, the Dark Lord, who looks to control all of Middle Earth. The quest Frodo undergoes, to destroy the ring categorizes it as a modern day epic, because the novels are saturated with many heroic deeds. For example, in the first novel, when Frodo's uncle, Bilbo, can no longer take ownership and responsibility of the ring, because it is too tempting and powerful, Frodo agrees to take hold of it, though he is aware what dangers come by association. At the end of the Fellowship of the Rings, Frodo realizes that he must separate from the group, in order to keep everyone else safe, and to prevent the self-destruction of each other member of the fellowship. The many heroic deeds Frodo, and even other members of the fellowship, are characteristics that compose the epic.
Epic poetry is comprised of one single combat, and in the Lord of the Rings, though there are many, small battles, in the second novel, The Two Towers, there is by far, the most notable battle. The battle is the focus of almost the entire second half of the movie, between the Uruk-hai and King Theoden's force.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)