Johnson’s Rasselas: Abyssinia, Morality, and Orientalism
Rasselas (1759): A Discussion
Samuel Johnson’s Rasselas draws upon his prior knowledge of Abyssinia, fueled by popular interest and the power of publishers. While Johnson had written oriental tales previously, this book transcends a simple connection with England, existing outside of time and place within the setting of Abyssinia. The book incorporates information about Abyssinia not solely derived from Portuguese missionary translations, potentially drawing from accounts of Basque missionaries.
Read MoreCharacters of The Mayor of Zalamea: Analysis
Pedro Crespo
An old farmer appointed mayor of Zalamea. He has a son, Juan, and a daughter, Isabel. His character is dynamic, contradictory, highly complex, and continually changes as the action develops. He possesses a high sense of social honor but believes that, by natural law, peasants hold an inferior position to nobles. He is one of the greatest characters created in Spanish Golden Age drama. Almost all other characters exist primarily in relation to him, though this doesn’t mean they lack autonomy
Read MoreGothic Cathedrals: Architecture and Evolution in Europe
Architecture: The Gothic Cathedral
The Gothic cathedral is characterized by verticality and light, reflecting divinity. Its most typical expression is the cathedral, where we find all the elements of Gothic art. It utilizes a new type of arch and vault: the pointed arch and vault, which enables a transparent wall covered with glass. Rosettes are privileged under the windows of colored glass.
Latin cross plans predominate, distinguishing the header and cruise ships, three to five. The choir has an
Read MoreSpanish Picaresque Novels: Key Works and European Legacy
Key Spanish Picaresque Novels
Quevedo’s El Buscón
The following picaresque masters are discussed briefly. Quevedo’s El Buscón picks up themes from Lazarillo de Tormes and Guzmán de Alfarache, but removes the element present in Lazarillo where the beginning of the protagonist’s life presents a series of open perspectives. In Quevedo’s work, the character’s childhood environment is infamous, marked by blood. Although offered a horrid job, he refuses it to continue his infamous life, owning it. Quevedo
Read MoreBritish Culture: London Landmarks & York’s Rich History
Why ‘Britain’?
It’s called Britain for a reason: it includes the Scots and the Welsh as well.
British Pub Culture
Most pubs in Britain close relatively early, often around 11:00 PM. In contrast, some bars in Spain don’t even open until 11:00 PM. Perhaps this contributes to the perception that British people drink quickly!
The British Tearoom Tradition
A typical British tearoom might be full of people sitting at tables, drinking tea, and talking quietly. Common accompaniments include small cucumber
Read MoreLiterary and Philosophical Concepts: Kant to Modernism
Kant on Enlightenment and Immaturity
“What is Enlightenment?” – Immanuel Kant
Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-incurred immaturity. Immaturity is the inability to use one’s own understanding without the guidance of another. This immaturity is self-incurred if its cause is not lack of understanding, but lack of resolution and courage to use it without the guidance of another. The motto of enlightenment is therefore: Sapere aude! Have courage to use your own understanding!
Laziness and
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