Modernism in the 19th Century Essay Example for Free

Modernism in the 19th Century Essay Modernism was a response to the political, economic and the social chaos of the mid-19th century. Modernists believed in the practical usage of knowledge to solve society’s problems. For them, disciplines should not be sources of abstract concepts. Modernism in the 19th Century Europe in the mid-19th century was characterized with toppled thrones, repressive regimes, civil wars, executions and exiles. Ordinary citizens found themselves trapped in one despotic government after another. The promising careers of many artists were ruined, as many of them either died or fled their homelands. The intellectuals, meanwhile, were already too discredited and disillusioned to be able to work for change (Barzun, 1990). The ideas that were once regarded as the means to bring about a better world were now despised and even blamed for the turbulent status quo. Concepts such as liberty, fraternity and equality were dismissed as the products of feeble minds or glib rhetoricians. The images of hard matter and the evil man were embraced as the true representations of reality. Science and politics eventually became the two most important disciplines of the aforementioned period (Barzun, 1990). Consequently, modernism emerged in the late 19th century. Unlike its predecessor, Romanticism, modernism was a discipline that focused on the commonplace. Emphasis was given to â€Å"the dull, dreary, sordid (and) repetitious occurrences of daily life† (Barzun, 1990). The soberness of word and feeling ridiculous replaced the Romanticist notions of love of life and of love itself (Barzun, 1990). Modernism and Progress The prevailing economic situation in the late 19th-century Europe was likewise responsible for the rise of modernism. Urban areas that have separate business, industrial and residential districts proliferated across the continent. Consequently, people during this period assumed a mindset that welcomed innovation instead of constantly relying on past knowledge. Scientific inventions such as steam power, the telegraph and cast iron inspired them to come up with more progressive means of studying â€Å"classical† fields such as architecture, art, literature, applied arts, literature and music (Marx and Mazlish, 1996). Simply put, modernism became synonymous to the usage of â€Å"traditional† subjects to create new ideas that would bring about more progress. The discovery of cast iron, for instance, did not result in just railroad bridges. Architects during this period also used cast iron to come up with amazing structures such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The Eiffel Tower was a novelty in the sense that it was a radically different combination of engineering and art (Marx and Mazlish, 1996). The social sciences, meanwhile, were no longer just an abstract set of theories and principles. Fields such as economics and political science were utilized to improve public administration and governance. The theories of psychology, such as those of Ernst Mach and Sigmund Freud, were applied to the treatment of psychological disorders. In previous centuries, the mentally ill were regarded as a family disgrace and were therefore banished to asylums, where they were treated inhumanely. The studies of Mach and Freud on the human mind would later become part of the foundations of modern-day psychology and psychiatry. Modernism and Religion In the context of religion, modernism translated to the â€Å"(reinterpretation of) Christian (doctrines) in terms of the scientific thought of the 19th century† (MSN Encarta, 2008). Some dogmas of the Roman Catholic and the Protestant Churches were started to be construed as symbolic instead of as literally true. Examples of Modernists in the Roman Catholic Church were theologians George Tyrell, Baron Friedrich von Hugel and Alfred Loisy. Rome responded harshly to them – Pope Pius X condemned the movement as â€Å"heretical, false, rash (and) bold† on July 3, 1907 (MSN Encarta, 2008). Protestant Modernists such as the German theologians Friedrich Schleiermacher and Albrecht Ritschl, meanwhile, wanted to reconcile religious dogmas and history with the theory of evolution and discoveries in ancient history, psychology and archaeology. As a result, they did not believe in the literal inspiration of the Bible and the historical accuracy of the Gospels. For them, moral and ethical behavior was more important to Christian life, rather than blind obedience to formal creeds. In addition, church officials should prioritize social activities over academic issues (MSN Encarta, 2008). Conclusion The most noteworthy characteristic of modernism in the 19th century is that it encouraged the practical use of knowledge to solve problems. Ideas of the existing schools of thought during the 19th century were no longer abstract concepts – they were actually used to come up with progress. Instead of merely shouting â€Å"Liberty, Fraternity and Equality! † economic principles were applied to ensure wise government spending. And rather than arguing that â€Å"Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world,† it would be easier to make people understand that â€Å"Jesus Christ was sent on earth to teach human beings to love one another as they love themselves. † References Barzun, J. (1990). The Cradle of Modernization. American Scholar, 59, 519-527. Retrieved December 15, 2008 from EBSCO. Marx, L. , Mazlish, B. (1996). Progress: Fact or Illusion? Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. MSN Encarta. (2008). Modernism (Religion). Retrieved December 15, 2008, from http://encarta. msn. com/encyclopedia_761568195/Modernism_(religion). html

An Essay on Man :: Alexander Pope Religion Essays

An Essay on Man Alexander Pope's An Essay on Man is an attempt to vindicate, as Milton had attempted to justify, the ways of God to man. Both attempt to explain God to man, but come up with different conclusions. Milton states that man can overcome God's design through faith and decency. In contrast, Pope remarks that man must accept what life gives him without trying to change his fate. Milton seeks to "justify the ways of God to men" (Paradise Lost, 1.26) through example. Paradise Lost focuses on the fall of man and the consequences thereof. After the fall of man, Adam and Eve must endure their punishments, and achieve redemption. They can no longer live within the confines of Eden; but through faith and conviction they will persevere. God gives Adam and Eve free will and the use of reason. Although they choose poorly and are punished with the pains and sufferings of humanity, God allows Adam and Eve to live; though not as they were accustomed to in Paradise. They must live life as we know it; with its weaknesses, yearnings, inevitable defeats; but with the knowledge that they can overcome "To leave this Paradise, but shalt posses / A Paradise within thee, happier far" (Paradise Lost, 12.586-587). Similar to Milton, Pope tries to "vindicate the ways of God to man" (An Essay on Man, p. 2264.16), however he derives a different conclusion. Pope believes that "In pride, in reasoning pride, our error lies" (An Essay on Man, p. 2266.123). He sets out to demonstrate that no matter how imperfect and disturbingly evil the universe may appear; it is nonetheless a work of God and must be accepted "Then say not man's imperfect, Heaven in fault; / Say rather, man's as perfect as he ought" (An Essay on Man, p. 2265.69-70). It seems imperfect to us only because our perceptions are limited by our moral and intellectual capacity. His conclusion is "And, spite of pride, in erring reason's spite, / One truth is clear: Whatever is, is RIGHT" (An Essay on Man, p. 2270.291 - 292) that we must learn to accept our positions in the universe, in which we can, lead happy and virtuous lives.

Christmas carol Essay

In a Christmas carol by Charles Dickens, scrooge becomes a reformed character by the end of the story. Explain how effectively Dickens shows the extent of these character changes. The story tells of scrooge who is transported through time to the Christmas’ of his childhood, the present and the future. The following essay will take you through these time periods. At the beginning of the story scrooge is portrayed as a dull, bleak character. On the front cover for example we can see scrooge in a dark room on his own. The only light is from the small candle on his mantle piece. He has grey hair and a long pointy nose. Scrooge’s personality was very negative and dull. We know that his attitude is bad as when his nephew wishes him a merry Christmas he replies â€Å"bah, humbug. â€Å"scrooges nephew then again wishes scrooge a merry Christmas but again only gets a response of â€Å"what reason have you to be merry, you’re poor enough † when scrooges nephew replies â€Å"you’re rich enough what reason have you to be dismissal† scrooge has no answer to that question. As well as showing us scrooge’s negative personality it also shows us his attitude towards Christmas. Scrooge also has a negative attitude towards the poor. We learn about this as when the charity collectors come, one says â€Å"at this time of year it is usually more than desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor. † â€Å"Are there no prisons† replied scrooge At hearing this, the inspector says â€Å"yes plenty, but many can’t go there and many would rather die. † A cold hearted scrooge then replies â€Å"well then they had better do it quick and decrease the surplus population. † The collectors were astonished and after this they realised there would be no point in pursuing there point. The gentlemen left. After this incident a couple of carol singers called at scrooge’s house. As soon as scrooge opened the door he raised a large stick and the small boys fled. At the end of the story scrooge became a completely reformed character. He walked the streets with a smile on his face; he then also went to church and watched the people hurrying to and fro. He looked into kitchens of houses and found that anything could yield him pleasure. Earlier on in the story scrooge was invited to his nephews Christmas dinner. He rejected the invite. Later that afternoon he turned his steps towards the party. He walked in and said â€Å"where is my love† â€Å"He’s in the dining room â€Å"said the servant. Scrooge made his way to the dining room and when he walked in everyone looked at him bemused. â€Å"Why bless my soul† cried Fred â€Å"who’s that† â€Å"Its I, your uncle scrooge, I have come to dinner. Will you let me in Fred? † â€Å"Of course† replied Fred. After the party instead of scrooges usual party pooper image he cried â€Å"wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity, wonderful happiness. † Scrooge was completely reformed. Another thing that proved scrooges reformation was when Bob Cratchit turned up late for work. He was pleading with scrooge not to fire him. Instead scrooge said â€Å"a very merry Christmas and offered him a pay rise. The reader is kept interested by the ghosts that challenge scrooge each time. Once scrooge has past the first challenge the reader wants to stay and see if he passes the next one. Once he passes the second challenge the level of tension rises. After passing the third challenge scrooge remembers what he was like at the start of the story. Some of the words he used come back to haunt him. The overall message is that you don’t have to be a ‘scrooge’ if you consider others misfortunes and try to help out as much as possible. You will lead a much happier life if you are thoughtful and considerate. The story makes you wonder which side of scrooge you are most similar to. It leaves a clear question in your head. † how could I change? â€Å"

Critical Analysis Of Young Goodman Brown - 1393 Words

I believe that the short story â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† is a fight between Evil and Good of both the mind and soul of Young Goodman Brown. Tries Retaining his faith but fails and sees those around him to be evil except himself. Evil is the nature of humankind it hides in the shadows of our inner thoughts. It is the temptation we face on a daily basis. We have the choice whether to give into it or merely overcome it. During his journey through the dark woods Young Goodman Brown sought out his inner evil. Young Goodman Brown, the main character travels into the dark, gloomy forest. We do not know the reason why he does. As we take a closer look at what is happening, we notice that he leaves during the late hours of the night where any evil†¦show more content†¦Perhaps the traveler he meets is his own â€Å"personal† devil it is the evil that lies in Brown’s heart. Hurley states that before this journey that Brown has come into contact with evil and sin b efore. As they travel together, the old man tells him that his father and his grandfather had taken the same path that he was taking. Goodman Brown in disbelief did not believe the elder traveler. Of course Brown did not believe the traveler how he could? How could someone he just met in the woods know things about himself? Through the story, Young Goodman Browns personality is shown to be as simple and with a pious nature. However, Young Goodman Brown does show he has faith towards God, but he has very little of it, unlike his wife. â€Å"Well; she’s a blessed angel on earth; and after this one night, I’ll cling to her skirts and follow her to heaven†(Hawthorne 610). Young Goodman Brown would rather cling to his wife to get to heaven than perform any good action of his own. It defeats how he is seen by others he is no longer simple with a pious nature. It goes to show that perhaps Young Goodman Brown does have some faith but very little of it. As Young Goodman Brown continues to venture deeper into the woods, the Devil begins to tempt him little by little. Unfortunately Brown gives up all too easily which leads to losing his faith and becoming corrupted. He does what the Devil asks of him without questioningShow MoreRelatedYoung Goodman Brown from a Moral Standpoint1352 Words   |   6 PagesHawthorne discovered that his ancestors were founders and Puritan leaders of the Salem witch trials. Shortly after this tragic finding, he wrote â€Å"Young Goodman Brown,† a tale that is considered one of the greatest in American literature. Analyzing Nathaniel Hawthorne’s work from a moral perspective can help illuminate his short story: â€Å"Young Goodman Brown.† Hawthorne was both prideful and embarrassed in the actions of his ancestors. 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Hawthorne incorporates symbols and allegories all through the story â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† to exemplify the PuritanRead More Formal Analysis of Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown Essay examples845 Words   |  4 PagesA Formal Analysis of Young Goodman Brownnbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Nathaniel Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown is an interesting short story that creatively tells two stories at once.nbsp; One story is of a man leaving his wife one night and venturing into the woods, and the other is of his struggle with his religious faith.nbsp; In reading this story, it is beneficial for one to look at it from a formalistic point of view.nbsp; Formal analysis makes the reader look closely atRead MoreEssay on The Ambiguity in Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown1587 Words   |  7 PagesThe Ambiguity in â€Å"Young Goodman Brown†      Ã‚  Ã‚     The literary critics agree that there is considerable ambiguity in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"Young Goodman Brown.† This essay intends to illustrate the previous statement and to analyze the cause of this ambiguity.    Henry James in Hawthorne, when discussing â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† comments on how imaginative it is, then mentions how allegorical Hawthorne is, and how allegory should be expressed clearly:    I frankly confess that I haveRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1543 Words   |  7 PagesIn Nathaniel Hawthorne s short story of Young Goodman Brown, the author uses symbolism and allegories in order to showcase the Puritan faith as well as man s conflict between good and evil. This analysis will break down the techniques that the author uses to critique the puritan society and to show the difference between how people appear to be in society and the true colors that they are hidden inside of them. There has been a lot of great authors in our time, but none more interesting thanRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1492 Words   |  6 PagesIn Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story of Young Goodman Brown, the author uses symbolism and allegories in order to showcase the Puritan faith as well as man’s conflict between good and evil. This analysis will breakdown the techniques that the author uses to critique the puritan society, and to show the difference between how people appear to be in society and the true colors that they are hidden inside of them. There has been a lot of great authors in our time, but none more interesting than NathanielRead MoreIdentity vs Society1047 Words   |  5 PagesThe short story â€Å"Young Goodman Brown,† by Nathaniel Hawthorne, shows how society persuades us throughout our lives and the power between good and evil in a community. â€Å"Conscious of the guilty purpose† (7) conveyed Brown to devote himself to the devil because the rest of the town did also. The community’s fail to stay loyal to God shows how weak and persuasive an entire community can be, even as an individual. According to Davon Ferrara’s personal analysis based on â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† called â€Å"The Dual