Wednesday, December 25, 2019

The Gods Of The Ancient World - 1105 Words

Some of the Goddesses of the Ancient World The goddesses named in this chapter occur in the midst of the earliest pagan deities mentioned in numerous ancient writings; particularly, the ones frequently linked to the land of Canaan. In fact, several of the goddesses that promoted idolatry and prostitution exist directly in the King James Version of the Bible, such as Ashtoreth, Diana and Lilith. Although, the word ‘prostitute’ exists only once (Lev 19:29), still, prostitution happens to be identified with various words; such as â€Å"whore(s), whoredom(s). harlot(s), pollute or polluted;† (which can mean prostitute) that encounters being mentioned frequently. The prophets of the Bible warned regarding whoring after other gods and goddesses and†¦show more content†¦For due to the goddess, routinely unmarried women, including those from the chief families in the country, befell being ordered to prostitute themselves in the temple at least once during their lifetime. Herodotus’ describes this ancient practice that exploited women sexually, stating: Emphatically, due to the goddesses, women and young girls required to have their virginity callously stolen away–how sick is that? Indeed, the paint brush of this practice appears to be broad among the fertility goddesses, for this domination became witnessed repeatedly in various lands; instigating unwanted pregnancy. Generally, the most vulnerable time in a female’s life occurs generally during pregnancy or the rearing of small children; therefore this reality helped evil cripple women into submission through the centuries. The following occurs as a brief summary of a few of the main goddesses in the land of Mesopotamia, the ancient Middle East and surrounding areas. Lilith Lilith became intertwined with Ishtar and Inanna in Babylonian as sacred prostitutes, and in the Old Testament her existence occurs subtly. Furthermore, Lilith became a sexual predator towards men and dwelled in desolate desert places as stated in the Bible. Along with other demons, Lilith occurs referenced in the Dead Sea Scrolls that contains an undeniable indication of Lilith’s reputation by being grouped with evil. Virtually, early portrayals of various demons identify with Lilith and became

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Vittorio de Sicas The Bicycle Thief Essay - 3286 Words

Vittorio de Sicas The Bicycle Thief Since the beginning of its existence as a country, Italy has faced enormous challenges in establishing itself as a unified political and social entity. The geographic, economic, and linguistic differences between its various regions and the artificial manner in which they were amalgamated created a legacy of internal divisions that continues to dominate the countrys political climate to this day. Italys numerous historical fiascoes, such as its disastrous involvement in the two World Wars and the rise of fascism, further escalated the domestic problems that had haunted it since the Risorgimento. At first, the anti-fascist Resistance movement, which dominated the end of World War II, seemed to†¦show more content†¦Originally applied to the government of Agostino Depretis in the 1880s, transformismo quickly became equated with any ethically questionable, self-interested actions taken by public officials purely for the sake of staying in office and maintaining power. This often manifested itself in the creation of a smoke screen of reformatory rhetoric intended to satisfy the electorate, without a subsequent introduction of any real reforms. The colonialist manner in which Piedmont annexed the other regions to create a united Italy during the Risorgimento and the divisions inherent in the new kingdom resulted in a historical compromise that made any deliberate social change very difficult. Consequently, Italian leaders of the destra storica and sinistra storica (the first two eras of Italian political history) shifted their focus from meaningful governance to the practice of transformismo, permanently shaping the face of Italian political life. The prevailing motto of this practice was captured perfectly in a line from Luchino Viscontis 1963 film, The Leopard: Things must change in order to stay the same. Attendismo, the other type of quasi-action, was a tendency of the leftist Italian parties to passively wait for change to occur from the outside, without taking any substantial revolutionary action on their own. The Socialist Partys slogan No support, but noShow MoreRelatedItalian Neorealism ( 1945-1953 )1909 Words   |  8 PagesItalian neorealism (1945-1953), through directors like Roberto Rossellini and Vittorio De Sica, made its trademark on cinematic history not only in Italy, but also throughout the world. It was films such as Rome Open City (Roma città   aperta, 1945), The Bicycle Thief (Ladri di biciclette, 1948), and Umberto D., (1952) whose style of depicting the harsh economic and social realities of the poor and working class of Italy took off as a new cinematic style after World War II. Neorealism is a responseRead MoreTheme Of Neorealism In Ladri Di Biciclette1348 Words   |  6 Pagesscreenwriters who help start the Neorealism movement in his home county’s ci nema once said â€Å" The true purpose on cinema is not to tell fables...There must be no gap between life and what is on the screen.† His screenplay, Ladri Di Biciclette (known as Bicycle Thieves to American audiences) is an artful manifestation of the Italian Neorealism. The film through numerous narrative aspects captures realistic snapshot into the fictional life of a working class family in post WWII Italy, and even has viewersRead MoreBicycle Thieves1588 Words   |  7 PagesVittorio De Sica’s The Bicycle Thieves is a simple story set amidst a post-war Rome. It is a neorealist film characterized by setting the story amongst the poor and working class. The film surrounds the difficult economical and moral conditions of post WWII Italy, reflecting the conditions of everyday life: Poverty and desperation, with the implicit message that in a better society, wealth would be more evenly distributed. The plot is simple, surrounding a man, his son and a bicycle. The fil m tellsRead MoreBicycle Thieves1596 Words   |  7 PagesVittorio De Sica’s The Bicycle Thieves is a simple story set amidst a post-war Rome. It is a neorealist film characterized by setting the story amongst the poor and working class. The film surrounds the difficult economical and moral conditions of post WWII Italy, reflecting the conditions of everyday life: Poverty and desperation, with the implicit message that in a better society, wealth would be more evenly distributed. The plot is simple, surrounding a man, his son and a bicycle. The film tellsRead MoreThe Work Bicycle Thieves By Vittorio De Sica2024 Words   |  9 Pages The work Bicycle Thieves is chosen to be discussed in this essay. Bicycle Thieves is an Italian film published in 1948, directed by Vittorio De Sica. It gained both commercial and artistic success, and have won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1948. The film is famous for its neorealism that reflects the post-war Italian society. In the following essay, I’m going to discuss how did De Sica use the cinematography skills to strengthen his expressions in Bicycle Thieves, and theRead MoreRepresentation Of The Working Class2386 Words   |  10 Pagescinema has provided an unparalleled insight into the shifting socio-political landscape of pre and post-war Italy. From Pastrone’s depiction of Maciste, the immortal strongman, born to use his ‘working class brawn against evil’ (Flanagan 2001: 91) to De Sica’s portrayal of the Ricci family’s financial post-war despair in Ladri di Biciclette (1948), the representation of the workin g-class in Italian cinema changed considerably during the three decades since Pastrone’s Cabiria (1914). There certainly seemsRead MoreFilm and Soviet Bloc Nations Essay1312 Words   |  6 Pagesthat were against the communist societies. The films intoxicated people that hate the communist societies, saying that these people were murderers, didn’t have children and also caused problems when arrested. Films such as, In Vittorio de Sica’s featuring the Bicycle Thief, was produced in 1950s. What factors lay behind the upscaling of Hollywood film genres during the 1950s? Identify the significant genres of the postwar period, and explain how each was affected by enhanced production valuesRead MoreRealism and Film Form1980 Words   |  8 Pagesalso for form, as many literarry procedures translate into film technique elements. (dezvolta cu literatura realista maybe?) Choosing a particular example of Italian neorealism to show how filmmakers translated realism into film form. In Vittorio De Sica’s Ladri di biciclette, there is not much focus on the story itself, but on how it is presented: the long takes, the smooth editing, getting rid of the unnecessary to emulate the outter world experience. Light, camera angles, editing, movementRead MoreA View from the Bridge: Story of a Brooklyn Longshoreman6101 Words   |  25 PagesItaly are the films of the Italian neorealist movement. Cesare Zavattini and Vittorio De Sica defined the principles of the neorealist movement: â€Å"†¦to write fictions about the human side of representative social, political, and economic conditions; to shoot on location whenever possible; to use untrained actors†¦to capture and reflect reality with little or no compromise† (Kawin 342). Miller even references one of De Sica’s most popular films in an effort to communicate the desperate circu mstances he

Sunday, December 8, 2019

History Behind Much Ado About Nothing Essay Example For Students

History Behind Much Ado About Nothing Essay Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Much Ado About Nothing† takes place in Messina, a city-state of Renaissance Italy. The Renaissance was a period in European history believed to have been between AD 1300 and AD 1600 with a feudal society of agricultural economy and church dominated culture. It was during the Renaissance that Europe was transformed into a society dominated by central political institutions with education, arts and music heavily influenced by the Christian religion. In Italy, cities such as Florence, Ferrara, Milan, and Venice flourished. These cities were able to finance cultural achievements. Medieval Italian merchants developed commercial and financial techniques such as bookkeeping and bills of exchange. Italian city-states were transformed from communes into territorial states, each of which wanted to expand at the expense of others. Diplomacy was established when the Italian city-states began embassies in foreign courts. In general, the Italian Renaissance was a time of flourishing ideas and prosperity. â€Å"Much Ado About Nothing† is a play intertwining two love stories. One story follows the romance of a young woman Hero (daughter of Leonato, governor of Messina) and a young officer Claudio. When Claudio returns from war, he realizes he’s deeply in love with Hero. With the help of his commander, Don Pedro, Claudio proposes to her. The other is a less likely couple, Beatrice (Hero’s cousin) and Bene*censored* (another officer). Both being witty, strong-willed and outspoken, the two seem to bare distaste for each other. However, when their friends arrange for them to overhear conversations revealing how much each is loved by the other, it doesn’t take long before they declare their love for one another. Meanwhile, self-proclaimed villain Don John eagerly carries out mischief against his brother (Don Pedro) and Claudio. One of John’s men enacts a scene at Hero’s window with a woman who appears to be Hero. When Claudio and Pedro observe this, they are easily deceived and Claudio angrily denounces Hero to be hidden as though dead until Claudio regains his senses. When the constable, Dogberry, arrests John’s men, who then readily confess their guilt, Claudio is forced to admit his error in thinking Hero would deceive him. He then mourns for her and agrees to marry her cousin. The cousin turns out to be a disguised and forgiving Hero. After all this â€Å"ado† the two couples are married and Don John is arrested. Don Pedro is a linking character, playing many key roles in the play. In many ways, he shows the influence of the time period. Being the prince of Aragon, a region in northeast Spain, he carries the title of respect â€Å"Don†. He seems to be the stereotypical leader of the Renaissance times, enjoying being in charge as well as possessing the ability to woo young women. He also shows the time period in the situation with his brother Don John. Because he was born outside of marriage, Don John has no official claim on any of his family’s wealth or position. He then tries to overthrow Pedro in battle. Other characters positions also illustrate the time period. For example, Dogberry and Verges who are the constable and deputy constable. Their rough habits and garbled speech show the mannerisms of the Renaissance peasants. Hero’s maidservants’ occasional vulgar comments also demonstrate actions of less educated servants. The life of the nobles is shown by Leonato and his estate. Hero herself represents a young woman in tune with the traditions of the time: seen but not heard, deferential to her father, and awaiting a suitor to take formal steps to court her. This play has taught me several things about lifestyle in the Italian Renaissance. First of all, I learned about the political structure of the Italian city-states. This is shown with the governor of Messina, Leonato, and also with the prince of Aragon, Don Pedro. The political systems are also shown by the fact Don John was denied claim to his family’s wealth because he was born outside of marriage. Secondly, I learned about household positions in Renaissance Italy. As displayed by the play, a noble household was headed by a man (Leonato) with daughters waiting to be courted (Hero/Beatrice), and maidservants (Margaret/Ursula). .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 , .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .postImageUrl , .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 , .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1:hover , .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1:visited , .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1:active { border:0!important; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1:active , .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1 .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u8f551923131f2f19950892163482c7f1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Italy Essay ThesisA third lesson was in medieval courtship. In those times, the girls were to be wooed and events such as the dance in â€Å"Much Ado About Nothing† were thrown to do so. When a man wished to marry her, he would ask her father for permission, just as Claudio does for Hero. In conclusion, Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Much Ado about Nothing† intertwines two love stories in Renaissance Italy. Through its characters, it portrays the political and household lifestyles of the Renaissance times.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Stage directions are still short Essay Example For Students

Stage directions are still short Essay From the beginning of scene ten, the stage directions immediately raise tension by saying a few hours later that night. Blanche has been drinking fairly steadily. This puts across that she is under pressure and may be upset about something. When it continues to say, she DRAGS her wardrobe into the centre of the bedroom this suggests that she is worn out. General phrases in the S. D slightly hint that Blanche may be mad like, hysterical exhilaration and also murmuring excitedly. From just reading this first stage direction or just the quotes I have stated here, you can tell that Blanche is going slightly mad. We will write a custom essay on Stage directions are still short specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now They also create tension which makes you want to continue with the story. In the next stage direction you can clearly see that Blanche is nervous by saying, tremblingly she lifts the hand mirror. It creates tension by implying that her movements may be slow. When it talks of Stanley appearing it says he has had a few drinks on the way this suggests that his actions towards her may be rough. It then moves on to saying he has brought some quart beer bottles home with him. Which raises tension slightly. In the next stage direction on page 109 it says, lurid reflections appear on the walls around Blanche. By saying around her it puts across the fact that only she can see them, she may be in a state of confusion and dizziness. The word lurid creates a state of tension. Its moves on to say they are of a grotesque and menacing form. The context of these words especially grotesque seems to build up tension, not only in the story but also inside her. The next main stage directions on pages 110 and 111 hold a lot of tension which is built up whilst you read on. Its starts off in Howard Bates, 10Q the second sentence saying the night is filled with inhuman voices like cries in a jungle. Once again this seems to state that Blanche is imagining things. The shadows are continued followed by flames, which is sometimes associated with nervousness. The next stage direction is rather misleading, it says the bathroom door is thrown open, this makes you think that he is going to attack Blanche but it continues with and Stanley comes out in the brilliant silk pyjamas. On page 111 the stage direction creates tension by saying that Stanley is staring at her, he may have something planned it raises suspicion when his glare is followed on by a grin. The lines spoken by Blanche and Stanley are short, this implies that Blanche isnt comfortable in the situation she is in. Tension is increased when it states that the music goes softly. The silence has filled the room creating more tension then the inhuman voices start again; this clearly seems to make Blanche nervous in her situation. Stanley is in her way of the doorway and she is hearing things again. Short but simple stage directions are carried on in the next page continuously raise tension. The speeches between the stage directions are still short. She then smashes a bottle and holds the end as self-protection. the last stage direction puts a crisp end to the scene, making it fairly clear that she gets raped but doesnt say it straight to your face. The music at the end creates the last bit of tension, this is stopped abruptly with the end of the scene. Tension here, is built up cleverly throughout the scene. Making you want to read on, music is added to increase the tension. the scene is bought to a sharp end with Stanley having the last word before he rapes her.