...Suffering into Success The time and place of where you are born can give you an advantage towards success. In Christopher Dillon Quinn’s documentary God Grew Tired of Us, three Lost Boys of Sudan who have been through hell and back and suffered a lot, but one day they got a chance to go to America became successful. One of the men Quinn interviews in his documentary is John Bul Dau; he ran away from home with the rest of the camp refugees when he was incredibly young since there was a war, losing his family and forced to walk hundreds of miles looking for a safe place to live. Dau was chosen to be a leader at the age of thirteen; during his leadership, he was forced to bury bodies, eat mud and drink urine. Dau is now a president of his own...
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...In Solomon’s book Spirituality for the Skeptic, the main idea and purpose of the text is: “the elucidation of a “naturalized” spirituality as distinct from normative understandings of “religion,” reconciled with the rationality driving various philosophical schools.” The chapter I chose to reflect upon and it’s relation to the main idea of the book is the chapter “Facing Up to Tragedy.” I chose this chapter because Solomon really shows how people deal with tragedy in a more spiritual individual level rather than the traditional religious level which ties into his overall theme of the book. Solomon describes tragedy as being meaningful because we as humans know that life is not fair and we accept and “adopt the tragic sense of life is nothing less than accepting reality.” (page 5 of 16 in the Chapter. I’m using a PDF ebook) I feel as though it is meaningful because it actually shapes our outlooks on life. A person that experiences more tragedy in their lifetime than someone who has not probably has a more realistic perspective on life and arguably a more pessimistic outlook in some cases. Solomon’s idea that we adopt the tragic sense of life and accepting it as a reality really relates to his overall theme of the book because in the process of life it seems to be a natural spiritual step that most people seem to reach at some point in our lives especially after witnesses multiple tragedies first hand. Solomon references how people deal with tragedy by saying “shit happens...
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...Everyman is an English morality play that the playwright uses characterization and conflict to represent values humans adhere to during the course of their lifetimes. The play makes use of allegorical characters to represent the everyday person. Everyman is a morality play which is “an allegorical drama popular in Europe especially during the 15th and 16th centuries, in which the characters personify moral qualities (such as charity or vice) or abstractions (as death or youth) and in which moral lessons are taught.” (Morality Play, 2013) In the play Everyman, the author uses metaphoric names for the characters, in order to emphasize morality. The main character Everyman believes himself to be content with where he is in life, until God sends Death to him, who lets him know his end draws near. At which point Everyman sees that his life has not been as meaningful as he had thought it to be, and realizes the error of his ways in neglecting his spiritual life. ii. Summary of Characters In a morality play the characters tend to be allegorical characters that the author uses to personify moral qualities. In doing so, the author is able to put the focus on such important...
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...“Ode to A Grecian Urn” The Story of what the Urn is seems to be loosely whatever you want it to be. IT seems that the author who has this urn is looking at the pictures on it. First he sees a group of men chasing a women. He want to know if they are mortals or gods, what are they doing? I don’t think you can be right or wrong at determining what they are saying you just use your imagination. In the second image he sees a boy playing a pipe among trees. He says that this tone that he is playing is too much for us, but feels sorry for this boy because he will never kiss a girl again. In the third image he sees trees that will never lose their leaves which makes him happy because he thinks these trees will be beautiful like love and last forever. The forth image is of gods doing a sacrifice on a mountain. Still he doesn’t really know where or why but he know the urn will never be able to tell the truth. The fifth image he seems to be summing up all the images together. He doesn’t know what any of them really mean but he has made stories up for each of them and seems to personify the Urn as it is the only person that knows the answers to these secrets. I think “Beauty is truth and truth is beauty“means that whatever you see these things as you will never know but its beautiful to imagine and see the images in your own head. While you are alive you will never know what they truly mean and that’s all you really need to...
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...beg for more time as they pass through the town where she has lived her life. Along the way she see children playing, fields of grain and the setting sun. It is a peaceful ride. The speaker describes Death as civil as he travels with her towards eternity. Although the speaker in the poem could not stop for death on her own and the poem is about the speaker’s own death, she is not fearful or hesitant to follow Death to her resting place and then on to eternity. In her poem, “Because I could not stop for Death” Emily Dickinson uses personification, imagery, and symbolism to tell of a woman’s peaceful journey from life to death and then to eternity. In this poem the first literary element that Emily Dickinson uses is personification. She personifies death as a male gentleman who comes calling on the speaker. Death is described as being kind as well as having civility and patients. Death is introduced in the poem right at the start. The speaker says, “He kindly stopped for me” (Dickinson, 1863, line 2). He does this because she was unable to stop for him. He then takes her on a slow drive through the town where she lives. The speaker says, “He knew no haste” (Dickinson, 1863, line 5). The speaker also says, “I had put away My labor and my leisure too, For His Civility--” (Dickinson, 1863, lines 6-8). At this point in the poem the speaker is slowly dying a gentle death. Ironically, in this poem Death is not to be feared or avoided but rather the speaker willingly rides with him and...
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...Eden, but it ended up resembling more like the depths of hades. England was a country that was deemed perfect by one leader, chosen from God, most followers thought. King Richard II took his role as King of England and betrayed his family, his people, and his country. The serenity, the beauty, and the peace that once filled England were no longer there. Serenity Thou, old Adam's likeness, set to dress this garden, how dares thy harsh rude tongue sound this unpleasing news? What Eve, what serpent, hath suggested thee to make a second fall of cursed man? Why dost thou say King Richard is deposed? Darest thou, thou little better thing than earth, divine his downfall? Say, where, when, and how, camest thou by this ill tidings? Speak, thou wretch. (3.4. 73-80). In this particular scene the Queen is complaining about King Richard being taken off the thrown. The main idea is that opposing a king is a sin, which means there are going to be some issues that will face England head on. Adam and Eve's world were ultimately changed forever when they blew it by giving in to temptation, which this is a shear metaphor taken from the bible. The fact of the matter is that King Richard II was not doing anything to improve England and solely relying of his belief of the grace of God to cast him into his own shadow, but ultimately England struck back and God granted the country its own serenity. Beauty This England has been ruined by Richard, who reduces it to a single image, a farm leased...
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...war. Bush’s intentions with the speech is to calm the country, and be their president. Since Bush is the president, he already has a big ethos. However, he also points out in the speech, to underscores his ethos even more, that he has control over the situation, and that America does not need to be worry about theirs safety even though what just happened a few hours ago. He says:” Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it is prepared.” He underscores that America is strong and powerful and that they are not afraid of the future because they can and will handle it. In addition, he also warns the terrorist about an eventually war with the same quote. The US is ready for war in any minutes, and they want to fight for peace and security and win the war against terrorism. The speech bears the mark of pathos in particular. In the first part of the speech, Bush keeps mention the victims and theirs family and friend. “The victims were in airplanes or in their offices -- secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers. Moms and dads. Friends and neighbours.” He makes use of antithesis. For example “businessmen and women” and “Moms and dads. Friends and neighbours”. The reason why he uses antithesis in this case is that he wants to be spot on and appeal to as many in...
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...creatures…” (152). In Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we are offered a somewhat accurate look into a post-Wollstonecraft world. The two Pride & Prejudice characters that best reflect Wollstonecraft’s feminist demarcations are Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wickham. As the film progresses, Lydia, the youngest of the Bennet sisters, becomes acquainted with Mr. Wickham and begins to display the very essence of what Wollstonecraft was trying to rebut in A Vindication of the Rights of Women. As Lydia’s infatuation with Mr. Wickham intensifies, she begins to act unsophisticated and juvenile and becomes ignorant to her family and Mr. Wickham’s true motives. Wollstonecraft states that “…men endeavor to sink us still lower, merely to render us alluring objects for a moment; and women, intoxicated by the adoration…” (152). The above passage perfectly demonstrates the notions in Wollstonecraft’s work. In a further opposing stance, Lizzy Bennet is what Wollstonecraft...
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...shore, And I hold within my hand Grains of the golden sand-- How few! yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep, While I weep--while I weep! O God! can I not grasp Them with a tighter clasp? O God! can I not save One from the pitiless wave? Is all that we see or seem But a dream within a dream? Analysis My initial glance through this poem I realise that the poet is not really talking about a dream. He compares life metaphorically to a dream within a dream. The structure of this poem is not a standard rhyming pattern which halts the reader in order to absorb what is being said. The poem consists of nine couplets and two triplets. The opening stanza, for example, begins with a triplet, then shifts to couplets and the second stanza shifts from couplets to triplet in the middle then shifts back to the original pattern. The poem expresses the poet’s frustration of the uncertainty and temporariness of life and people. He compares life and dreams because when we dream, it seems so real but when we are awakened by the roar of life we realise that it was just a figment of our thoughts. This poem is extremely emotional as it begins with a sad farewell to an unknown loved one. The atmosphere is inherently disturbed when the author tells this person that his whole life was nothing but just dream. He attempts to tell us that the world we live in is perceptive and other than that it would not exist as though we have just...
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... act, and think. In The Republic by Plato, Socrates argues against Thrasymachus’ idea that "Obedience to the interest of the stronger" will lead to a successful tyranny. Socrates believes that "justice is the excellence of the soul,” and that benevolence is the key to a successful state. Yet humans embody not only Apollo, the god of the sun, of dreams, and of reason but also, Dionysus, the god of wine, ecstasy and intoxication, both sons of Zeus. In Plutarch’s Moralia, it is suggested that the state allows society to live for their pleasure so that the state gains the power to control them. We are fighting a constant battle between the rational principle of the soul and the irrational or appetite. The state is determined to keep feeding the Dionysus in each of us in order to continue to control us. The music industry is a tool that is used to influence the youth to indulge in their desires through songs about violence, sex, misogyny and drug use. In the Socratic dialogue in The Republic, Adeimantus, son of Ariston of Athens, proposes the idea that “any musical innovation is full of danger to the whole State, and ought to be prohibited. Plato informs us that “when modes of music change, of the state always changes with them.” Adeimantus is known for his concern for the education system and the affect it has on our youth. “Education in music for the soul and gymnastics for the body,”...
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...Morality Plays III. Main Body: Discussion of Plays Characters a. God b. Death c. Everyman d. Fellowship e. Kindred & Cousin f. Goods g. Good Deeds h. Knowledge i. Confession j. Five Wits i. Beauty ii. Strength iii. Discretion k. Angel l. Doctor IV. Understanding on Christian faith and biblical scripture in comparison V. Conclusion VI. Reference Everyman and Death: Understanding the Perception and Treatment In life all people must deal with their life and the aspect of death, there is no escape. In Literature, authors often use imagery and experiences in life to help evaluate the human condition and ones’ own experiences in a different manner. The author for Everyman, even though anonymous, has presented an idea of how all individuals must face death and judgment that all will have to face in the presences of God. In this paper, this writer will evaluate the perception and the treatment of death in Everyman, the character usage and the role judgment play in death concluding with the Christian view of death and judgment in comparison. The importance in the play Everyman, understands the significance and purpose of a morality play. A morality play is an allegorical drama popular in Europe especially during the 15th and 16th centuries, in which characters personify moral qualities or abstractions and in which a moral lesson is taught. Morality...
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...Deuteronomy Principle: Great leader has to obey the Lord and live by his commandments in order to receive the Lord’s promises. Key Verse: Deuteronomy 11:26-27: Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse. The blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today. Explanation/Illustration of the Principle Obedience helps a leader grow closer to God. A leader must be obedient in order to grow and know God’s will. He shows evidence of his relationship, faith and love for God by doing God’s will. When a leader loves God, his actions show where his heart is. He then, understands God’s love for his people and the significance of God giving his only begotten son to suffer and die on the cross and he want to obey God– because of his love. God wants the leader to be obedient because he knows what is best for him. He also wants the leader to live a good life of obedience, holiness and purity. Obeying God’s commands points to the shape of a leader’s life as a whole, to the consistency of that leaders. He must strive to personify God’s love and character.[1] Joshua Principle: Great leaders must possess characteristics of courage and faith and show leadership abilities. Key Verse: Joshua 1: 6-7: Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according...
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...Where there is no faith; Hope could not exist Michelle Savoy ENG 125: Introduction to Literature Prof. Maria Rasimas Nov. 3, 2014 Much like her poem “Because I could not stop for death”, Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the thing with feathers” (Dickinson, 1861) , gives tribute to her religious roots. She uses a metaphor by describing hope in the form of a bird that becomes quite extensive as she builds on this metaphor later in the work. The use of a bird symbolizes freedom and almost an invincibility, capable of rising above storms and an element that is not easily defeated making it a sign of victory. While everyone will experience unfavorable times at one point or another in their lives Dickinson’s poem reveals that having hope can make all the difference in the world. In her line, “And sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all, and sweetest in the gale is heard” ( Dickinson) she brings her metaphor to life. The bird begins to sing as if to encourage itself never stopping regardless of what it is facing. Nothing can stop this hope and the singing is sweet to the spirit of the person giving him/her fuel to keep on going. “And sore must be the storm that could abash the little bird kept so many warm” Explains that the conditions of the storm would have to become rather harsh to consume the bird (hope) and destroy hope but even in that hope keeps on going. “I've heard it in the chillest land, and on the strangest sea; Yet, never, in extremity” (Dickinson)...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Culture Kaydiann A. Davis Hum/105 October 15, 2015 Leif Olson Cosmic Creation Myths Across Culture Creation and cosmic myths have been active across different cultures for many years, and from the beginning of time; they were created to help humankind comprehend and explain the dimensions and connections to the sky, earth, or underworld. All three worlds are considered imperative to the sustenance and maintenance of human existence within the universe. Although there are many myths existing in today's world; the Vishnu myth from the Hindu creation, and the Egyptian myth of Osiris, Isis, and Horus which created hope for Egyptians assuring them, that if they live well with one another on earth they will live a life of peace and tranquility after death. To understand these myths we have first to identify the worlds and the element embedded in those worlds, define the creators, describe what they created, and the process of creation. Then compare these components, and analyze the role of cosmic occurrence, and the elements presented in both myths. Finally assessing the importance of creation and cosmic myths, and the core values they represent in our existence today. The Vishnu creation myth is represented by earth and sky worlds, with Vishnu having a direct correlation to the sun, which represents the sky world. Then there is the earth world that is represented by Rudha, the destructive side of Vishnu that erects storms and create floods destroying...
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...can help create policies that will help people who are suffering the most. Through solidarity, I can stand with the climate change marginalized and serve to their needs. Also, in Laudato si, Pope Francis personifies the Earth as one with the poor, and how as humans, we must stand with the Earth like we are supposed to stand with the poor (Laudato). Also, in relation to Thomas’s viewpoint on mediation, I can mediate God’s grace by stripping off my false self. By me realizing my true Source of being, I can help others realize their true Source of being too. Together, we can help create the Kingdom of God, which includes environmental...
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