Fluent Essays

Once this assignment is opened it must be complete WTH is Humanities? What exactly is Humanities? What was once known as the “Classics” a study of art, literature and philosophy and of what great artists, writers, and philosophers have accomplished to understand what it means to be a human being and thinker Critically engaging in cultural artifacts, languages, customs and traditions to understand human experiences and condition The Gifts of Humanites Beauty Beautiful Movement Language Ideas Deeper sense of the past Beauty A pleasing arrangement of parts that affects us. Beauty is determined by two things: Aesthetic pleasure-the pleasure that beauty inspires The feeling you feel when you see that special someone Rightness-when the arrangements of particular parts of something are pleasing A subjective interpretation of something’s attractiveness Still, beauty is determined both by personal appeal and cultural standards Beautiful Movement we find aesthetic pleasure in not just watching others but also in participating to the best of our abilities. Example- You may not be a good skilled dancer, but you will still go out dancing with friends or dance around the house because it makes you feel goof You may not be able to sing, but singing is something we all enjoy Language through language we make ourselves understood to others We acquire models to make people take more, to provide recognition Languages can be manipulated to the point that it connects us all Everyday speech is just as important Who doesn’t know what LOL means? Ideas words are the means by which we think "The Mind" when people speak of it is generally where ideas are formulated and stored We all think differently This is why some of us are better at math than writing papers, some can read music and some can freestyle of the top of their head Deeper Sense of Past the realized human being is an accumulation of what has gone before and how that affects the present These experiences help each of us to better understand what living is all about The Humanities are reason why we still enjoy Shakespeare, why we still ponder over the Mona Lisa, why Classical music influences Hip Hop Literalist v. Figuratist Literalist Non-critical person whose language reflects a concern for the immediate moment what is happening or being viewed as relates to the self. What is literally meant Figuratist A critical thinker whose use of language is characteristically colorful, often playful, filled with metaphors suggest a greater interest in the general than in just the particular. What is represented How to Approach? Apollonian disciplined, analytical, rational, and coherent responds by seeking meaning What we think about something Dionysian emotional, intuitive, freedom from limits responds emotionally How we feel about something Empathy and Alienation Alienation Used to describe the ideal, non emotional state in which the viewer is best able to derive the authors' message. Just the facts Don’t feel, just think Very Apollonian in nature Empathy The quality of identifying with another, becoming, in a sense, that person and being involved in his or her problems. Put yourself in their shoes Don’t think, just feel "A Dionysian trick of our nature." Being an Infinite Person commits no crimes against humanity No longer preoccupied with self free of rigid prejudices Free to exercise whatever so long as everyone else can too does not jump to conclusions Views all sides before passing judgement Critical Thinking becoming objective in how we evaluate what we see, read, or hear separating rational and emotional responses to make an informed response delaying a final judgment until we have all the data. Doing so sharpens the mind and helps us approach life issues from all perspectives The Importance of Responding Critically When we think critically about anything, do the following 6 things: Define what we want to determine Acknowledge emotional responses Collect information and consider all factors Evaluate topic in proper context Accept characters unlike you Form an opinion with evidence to back it up Context the framework of circumstances, background, or environment of which a given work is understood historical context is the influence that the ideas, values, and styles of a particular time have on a society, work of art, or philosophy. Context ALWAYS matters, so ALWAYS consider it Characters/Archetypes Character A person or other being in a narrative work May be entirely fictional or based on a real-life person Guide readers through their stories, helping them to understand plots and ponder themes Type A character who stands as a representative of a particular class or group of people Think “stereotype” or “archetype” The study of a character requires analyzing relationships with other characters Status defined through the network of oppositions Stock Character Special kind of character who is instantly recognizable to most readers They are ‘stock’ or ‘typecast’ or ‘stereotypical’ characters Examples include: the ruthless businessman the shushing old, white-haired librarian the dumb jock or blonde They are not focus characters nor are they developed in the story; only fulfill background or filler roles Flat Characters Two-dimensional characters that are relatively uncomplicated Can be described in a single sentence no depth and not given much information on them Stock characters are prime examples of flat characters Round Characters Complex figures with many different characteristics Most like real people since they undergo development Described in depth, with many details The main character in a story is almost always round. If you are reading a story where you know a character well, then most likely the character is round Static/Dynamic Dynamic characters a person who changes over time, usually as a result of resolving a central conflict or facing a major crisis tend to be central rather than peripheral characters resolving the conflict is their major role Static characters someone who does not change over time his or her personality does not transform or evolve. remain the same throughout How to determine? Look closely at your character at the beginning and end of the story : How does the character feel about him/her/itself? Do the answers to the questions changed? How does the character act towards others? What is the character’s goal? Internal Change distinguished the difference between Static and Dynamic a change in his/her personality a change in his/her outlook on life a change in his/her values a change in the nature of the character. Hero/Heroine A character who combats misfortune through feats of skill, bravery or strength Often sacrifices personal concerns for greater good and often celebrated through legends The Hero's Journey consists of three separate stages Departure the call to adventure (which they may initially refuse) Initiation a road of trials, achieving a realization about themselves (or an apotheosis), having a moment of clarity (anagnorisis) Return. attaining the freedom to live through their quest or journey Examples: Gilgamesh, Beowulf, Jesus, Joan of Arc, 911 heroes, Superman Tragic Hero flawed individuals who commit, without evil intent, great wrongs or injuries Misfortune often followed by tragic realization of the true nature of events that led to this destiny Originating from Greek tragedy, must evoke in the audience a sense of pity or fear Examples Oedipus Rex Anakin Skywalker Michael Corleone of the Godfather trilogy (depending on who you ask) Anti-Hero or Heroine/Bad Boy or Girl A protagonist who lacks conventional heroic qualities Not necessarily ideal, courageous, or moral May sometimes do the right thing but maybe not for the right reasons Often acting primarily out of self-interest Emerged as a foil to the traditional hero archetype Examples Deadpool Django Walter from Breaking Bad The bad boy/girl is a extension a person who behaves badly, especially within societal norms. irresistible rogue More romantic or sexual overtones Other Hero Types Reluctant Hero ordinary person required to rise to heroism, or an extraordinary person forced to use abilities to benefit greater good Example: Hancock Folk Hero real, fictional or mythological figure who has imprinted their name, personality and deeds in popular consciousness Example: Davy Crockett Culture Hero mythic hero specific to a cultural, ethnic or religious group who changes the world through invention or discovery Example: Prometheus who “discovered” fire in Greek Mythology Other Hero Types Romantic Hero rejects established norms, puts self at center of own existence; focus on thoughts rather than actions Example: Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter Action Hero protagonist of an action film or other entertainment which portrays action and adventure Example: anybody Liam Neeson plays Superhero Possess supernatural(human) powers, dedicated to fighting crime, protecting the public, and battling supervillains Example: Wonder Woman Foil a character that highlights out contrasting qualities of another character usually contrasts with the protagonist usually either differs dramatically or is extremely similar but with a key difference setting them apart may also be used to portray a difference between two things a subplot can be used as a foil to the main plot Example: If you look at Victor Frankenstein and compare him to the monster, his foil, who is really the monster? Villain an "evil" character in a story who tends to have a negative effect on other characters usually the antagonist (though can be the protagonist) function in the dual role of adversary and foil to hero Adversary-serves as an obstacle the hero must struggle to overcome. Foil-exemplifies characteristics that are creating a contrast distinguishing heroic traits from villainous ones “Sympathetic” villains-ALMOST like anti-heroes may wish to make the world a better place but go to antagonistic lengths to do so (like Mr. Freeze) may employ a code of honor in fighting his enemies, even if it is to achieve antagonistic goals (like Dexter) may be pushed to antagonistic lifestyles by society's mistreatment of him (like Derek in American History X) may include those manipulated by malevolent and opprobrious forces (like Jack Torrance in The Shining) Everyman an ordinary individual who is often placed in extraordinary circumstances not in the same way as the reluctant hero as protagonist is not necessarily a "hero" react realistically in situations that are often taken for granted by traditional heroes not necessarily a round or a dynamic character the audience or reader is supposed to be able to identify easily audience imagine selves in the same situation without possessing knowledge, skills, or abilities that excel potential may project themselves into this character, if no dominant characteristic of prevents them from doing so may be used as a narrator or to fill in temporal gaps in the flow of a story Straight Man stock character in a comedy performance responds to comedic antics with a transition from poise to outrage or from patience to frustration never responds with laughter ability to maintain a serious demeanor is crucial makes the partner look all the more ridiculous by being completely serious Examples: Dorothy Zbornak in Golden Girls Jon Arbuckle in Garfield Hank Hill of King of the Hill Boy/Girl-Next-Door a character perceived as familiar, approachable, and dependable often invoked to indicate All-American or "average" masculinity or femininity may serve as a love interest for a protagonist often will live near by and more often than not present in romantic or sexual stories Damsel a beautiful or innocent young woman placed in a dire predicament by a villain, monster or alien, and who requires a male hero to achieve her rescue After rescuing her, the hero often obtains her hand in marriage mainstay of the comics, film, and television industries throughout the 20th century Classic damsels Ann Darrow from King Kong Lois Lane Olive Oyl from Popeye Princess Zelda and Princess Peach Strong Female Lead the opposite of the damsel in distress stock character used to question implicit assumptions about male privilege and patriarchy not necessarily (but can and often is) physically strong or an action heroine Examples: Buffy Summers Hermione Granger Maid Marion from Robin Hood Femme Fatale stock character of a typically villainous, or at least morally ambiguous woman ability to entrance her male victim can be seen as supernatural in some literature enchantress, seductress, vampire, witch, or demon tries to achieve her purpose by using feminine wiles such as beauty, charm, and sexual allure common traits of the femme fatale includes promiscuity and the "rejection of motherhood," Examples: Catwoman and Poison Ivy Alex from Orange is the New Black Catherine from Basic Instinct Noble Savage stock character who symbolizes humanity's innate goodness an "other" who has not been "corrupted" by the moral failings of modern civilization romanticized stereotype of indigenous peoples as simple-minded with a connection to nature life of the noble savage is: desirable because of its simplicity pitiable for its backwardness Examples: Na’vi people from Avatar Adam and Eve