Comparison and Contrast Paper: Medieval Characteristics

Prior Expectations Regarding literary Masterpieces Patsy Baker ENG/106 March 25, 2013 Sandra Rooks Prior Expectations Regarding Literary Masterpieces Literature reveals the soul of a refinement. The manner in which a civilization develops is in direct correlation with the quality and nature of its literary productions. Literary masterpieces argon treasure troves to be read, analyzed, and enjoyed. At first, many ancient masterpieces may reckon severely to comprehend for a novice reviewer however, the effort exerted to travail their merit is well worth the result. A Yiddish saying states that life with break creativity is existence without joy.Obtaining an understanding and appreciation of successful literature opens the door to schooling about the generator, the composes culture, and the necessary elements to emulate the techniques to produce such(prenominal) a masterpiece. Exposure to literary masterpieces began in my high school years. Ontario educational standards required every student to take classes in Greek, Roman, and Norse literature. discipline ancient Greek and Latin enriched my education and understanding of the value of their literature, and studies of the techniques and styles of each(prenominal) genre.Comprehending the nuances of their manner of speakings enhanced the comprehension of these masterpieces. Also I acquire illiteracy of the normal populous was the reason for early writings create verbally in poetical format so it could be sung. Hesiod, Homer, and Virgil were the master- accountingtellers who used elements such as personification, metaphors, onomatopoeia, and similes to break their stories come alive to the listener for example, The fertile earth being burnt, ro bed out provides an auditory picture of the viciousness of the battle (2008, p. 59). The Theogony, Iliad, and Aeneid describe the hierarchy and captivate of the immortals, including their interaction among themselves and with mortals. The style and techniques applied in literary masterpieces should reflect the religion, culture, or historical influences of the authors life experiences. These elements contribute to the substance of the authors presentation. For example, it would be extremely difficult for the Book of Genesis to be as effective in teaching the creation of mankind if it were written by a person whose religion was polytheistic.One of the key themes of Genesis is mo nonheism and that the Supreme Being created all things. Platos The Apology could cede been incoherent and less effective without his knowledge of the knack of rhetoric learned from such teachers as Socrates. Sophocles understood the suffering of violence from living through and through the Peloponnesian Wars. Also his setting for Oedipus the tabby was Colonus, the same town he grew up in. Of note, he is acknowledged as the creator of skenographia&8212scene moving picture helping to define better the setting for his play. Finally, Sophocles used symbolism for th e mark of the hero&8212Oidipous means swollen foot.This name emphasizes the angst of Oedipus who was taunted in his youth. (2008, p. 501). The authenticity of the authors writing must reflect the authors life. The referees expectation of the authors purpose for writing the literary masterpiece should not be a determinant for the readers expectations of its content. The purpose should become evident upon reading the entire piece. For example, the biblical story of Daniel in the lions den inspires courage and faith. The graphic violence in Oedipus the King is disturbing however, it is thought-provoking.Some literary masterpieces female genital organ be painful. For example, reading the Apostle Lukes interpretation of Jesus crucifixion is emotionally painful and haunting however, it unearthlyly enlightens the reader. grounds literary masterpieces may be difficult to comprehend but not boring. Predetermined expectations of the purpose or proper reactions from literary pieces preju dice the reader and should, therefore, be avoided. Enthusiastic high school English teachers and talented superannuated Greek and Latin teachers encouraged my understanding and appreciation of literary masterpieces.Some periods, it is hard for a teenager to believe the word modern is not invariably the best, and the word ancient is not always unpalatable. From these encounters, my understanding of cultures, religions, and writing skills expanded. I learned the effectiveness of literary devices such as irony, allegory, onomatopoeia, and satire. The historical time frame of the writing, the cultural aspects of the writer, and historical events within the piece are measurable aspects in evaluating the quality of literature.If possible, reading literature in its original language helps to increase the appreciation of the quality of its excellence. Finally, reading a piece of literature more than once may enlighten a reader concerning its qualities. master(prenominal) characteristics of literary masterpieces must focus on artistic excellence, intellectual value, spiritual value, permanence, universal appeal, style, and be thought provoking. No literary piece can stand the test-of-time without these attribu tes. Consider the Torah and the Christian Bible. Their spiritual appeal affects millions of lives.Both have existed end-to-end the ages. They are thought provoking and have unique styles. The Psalms are well-known and possess all these attributes. For example, Psalms 23 is sung in both Jewish and Christian places of worship. The value of literary masterpieces to the world is immeasurable. thither are some important influences of literary masterpieces on modern society. Freud base some of his concepts of psychoanalysis on Sophocles character of Oedipus. The Twelve Commandments from the Torah are the substructure for civil laws prohibiting murder and theft.Concepts of human kindness and acts of charity are establish on Jesus teaching in the Four Gospels. Cha ritable and spiritual groups practice acts of kindness based on these writings. The aforementioned examples demonstrate the vastness of literary masterpieces on modern society. Literature is a window allowing readers to discern the personality of a civilization. It is a window to the mores, ideals, creativity, and spiritual heart of a civilization. There is immeasurable cultural and spiritual wealth in literary masterpieces.Although some literary masterpieces are difficult to understand, they are a backfire of enlightenment to those who strive to grasp their value. The comprehension and admiration of literary masterpieces is a key to obtaining awareness and comprehension of the value of the writings. This key provides a adit to the world of the author, the civilization, and the tools to create such a work of art. Reference Damrosch, D. , Alliston, A. , Brown, M. , duBois, P. , Hafez, S. , Heise, U. K. , et al (2008). The Longman Anthology of World Literature. New York, NY Pears on Education Inc.