Themes in ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’: Social Class, Women, Power
Main Themes of the Work
Social Classes: Lorca presents a town with clearly differentiated social classes. Everyone knows their place and is expected to accept it. The relationship between Poncia and Bernarda, for example, shows that despite having grown up together, a patron and a servant cannot be true friends. They occupy different social strata and cannot be treated as equals. Bernarda most clearly conveys the importance of social class, speaking with contempt of those she considers beneath her,
Read MoreFra Angelico’s Annunciation: Symbolism and Meaning
The Annunciation
Artist: Beato Angelico
Date: 1445
Museum: Museo del Prado
Dimensions: 194 cm
Medium: Tempera on panel
This delicate panel at the Prado Museum depicts the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. The main subject is complemented by smaller scenes in the predella (the lower section of the altarpiece). These scenes, in reading order, are:
- The Birth of Mary
- Her Betrothal to Joseph
- The Visitation to St. Anne
- The Epiphany of Jesus
- The Transit and Purification of Mary’s Soul after
Philosophy and Faith: Contrasting Views of Early Christian Apologists
Attitudes of Apologists Towards Philosophy
Attitudes of apologists in connection with philosophy, and representatives of each of them:
- Some (usually called Greek Fathers) have a welcoming attitude and respect towards philosophy, appreciating its effort to move closer to the truth (some even considered it a precursor of the Christian faith) and assuming part of its themes and vocabulary to explain their doctrine.
- In contrast, the attitude of others (and some Latin Fathers like Tertullian) is of rejection,
Saint Augustine: Christianity in Medieval Philosophy
Item 6: Christianity and Medieval Philosophy: Saint Augustine
1. Socio-Historical Context
Saint Augustine (4th-5th century AD) lived during a politically, socially, and religiously agitated time, amidst the decline of the Roman Empire.
2. Features of Christian Doctrine
Christianity is considered a doctrine, rather than a philosophy. Its features include:
- Linear Sense of History: Unlike the Greeks, who believed history was circular, Christians believe history is guided by God towards salvation.
- Monotheism:
Origins and Expansion of Islam: 7th-13th Centuries
Origins of the Islamic Religion
Religion: Monotheism arising from the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Where: The Arabian Peninsula, populated by nomadic tribes. Agriculture and ranching were practiced, with some trade supporting the economy in times of crisis. The region prospered thanks to trade routes, allowing for the growth of cities like Mecca.
When: In the early 7th century.
Who: Muhammad, born in Mecca in 570. A camel driver who married a wealthy widow and caravan owner. He experienced a great crisis
Read MoreOckham’s Philosophy: Civil vs. Ecclesiastical Power
Text Commentary: Ockham
Historical Context
William of Ockham was a 14th-century English philosopher and Franciscan friar. He was a prominent critic of scholastic philosophy and, contrary to Thomas Aquinas, advocated for a strong separation between reason and faith. Ockham was involved in several controversies, including those concerning papal power and the Church’s evangelical poverty.
Central Theme
The Pope’s power is not absolute, as emperors and kings possess their own legitimate authority.
Key Ideas
The
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