Medieval Literature Analysis: Beowulf and Chaucer’s Characters
Beowulf: Paganism and Christian Faith in the Epic Poem
Beowulf is a medieval work of art that has survived to this day and remains very present in modern culture. It is an important work within the history and development of the English language, belonging to the period known as Old English. To be more exact, it was written during the Middle Ages (500–1500), a long period of time that lacks internal coherence and resulted in major social, historical, and linguistic change.
This poem presents a mix
Read MoreByzantine Mosaics: Iconography, Imperial Power, and the Golden Ages
Characteristics of Byzantine Iconography
The figures show a certain rigidity and monotony, but are very expressive in their symbolism, displaying an obvious disregard for the laws of nature and space. They are elongated and suggest a certain dehumanization.
The Iconographic Program (Hermeneia)
The new iconographic types symbolically suit a preset program (the Hermeneia), assigned to different parts of the temple:
- The Pantocrator (Christ in Majesty blessing) in the dome.
- The Tetramorph (four evangelists)
Social Cohesion, Diversity, and Combating Discrimination
Understanding Plural Societies and Dignity
Identity and Coexistence in a Plural Society
Identity: We identify ourselves based on where we were born, the language we speak, and the customs and ideas we hold.
Plural Society: Our society is composed of individuals and groups with varied characteristics. To live in peace and progress, both as individuals and as a society, we must learn to coexist civilly with those who are different from us. Being a good neighbor requires an effort of understanding and
Read MoreAntigone’s Legacy: Duty, Defiance, and Divine Will
The Aftermath of War: Antigone’s Defiance
The tragedy unfolds at dawn, the day after the war’s end. Oedipus’s two sons, Polynices, who led the Argive army against Thebes, and Eteocles, who defended the city, have killed each other in battle. Now, Oedipus’s two daughters, Antigone and Ismene, stand on stage.
Antigone implores her sister Ismene to help her bury Polynices, defying Creon’s recent mandate. Creon, the new ruler, has decreed that Polynices, as a traitor, must be left unburied as punishment.
Read MoreChristian Humanism: Principles, Thinkers, and Anthropology
Christian Humanism: Dignity and Social Life
Simple exposure to these currents of thought makes it evident that without God, humanity loses much of its dignity, and social life crumbles for lack of a solid basis for upholding fundamental human values.
The Foundations of Christian Humanism
Thus, during the last two centuries, humanism that was closed to God has gradually opened up, embracing evangelical criteria and rooting itself in a comprehensive human interest from a Christian conception of humanity
Read MoreSt. Augustine: A Pivotal Figure in Early Christianity
Early Life, Conversion, and Roman Context
Saint Augustine was born in 354 CE in Tagaste, North Africa, the son of Patricius, a pagan, and Monica, a fervent Christian. His birth coincided with the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire, under emperors like Julian II and Theodosius I. After Theodosius’s death, the Empire was famously divided into East and West. This era was marked by economic crises, progressive barbarian invasions, and the devastating sack of Rome in 410 CE.
It was in this tumultuous
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