Questions Of Exam Of History - Essay Example

9 February Part II 4. Identify 5 features that characterize Gothic architecture, using an appropriate image on this exam as an example This image clearly represents a classical example of the Gothic architecture. For example, gigantic buildings where memorial services and other religious ceremonies were performed were also used by the religious participants. The presence of gigantic buildings is also symbolized by a variety of colors painted on different walls and ground floors of cathedrals and other places for worship. At the same time, the use of different images was another feature found in the Gothic architecture. More specifically, vast space inside cathedral besides standing area was also found at that time and is also depicted by the image as well. Moreover, the use of statues at the entrance point was also common, showing the reverence, respect and love for the Holy Trinity. Word count: 132 5. What is the “Donation of Constantine” and why was it important in the Middle Ages? Before the start of Christianity, idol worship was common and many tribes and people prefer to use images and stones for the sake of worship. In this process, they consider them as a source of help and support for carrying out their routine activities. In other words, they were of the opinion that idol worship was essential. More importantly, this practice was caused by the fact that, at that time, there was no religion and no prophet had reached to them. However, the idol worship started to fade as prophets along with the message of Lord guided them and informed them about the true God. Word count: 105 6. What reading or image so far in the course has been the most interesting and rewarding for you, and why? You must give examples and supporting details to explain your choice, not just a variation on “I just liked it.” The image mentioned in the question number 4 considerably fascinates attraction. First, the image is a perfect depiction for the Lord Jesus and reverence for His work and effort for the moral and ethical betterment of the Christian faith. More importantly, the crucifixion of Jesus and feelings of people sitting below highlights one of the greatest sacrifices of Jesus for promoting this faith. Such contribution is rare in the entire history of Christianity as many of the followers only provided limited share of sacrifice when their sacrifice share is compared with the sacrifice given by Jesus. Word count: 96 Part III 1. “In the first place, we must beware of taking a figurative expression literally. […] For when what is said figuratively is taken as if it were said literally, it is understood in a carnal manner. And nothing is more fittingly called the death of the soul that when that in it which raises it above the brutes, the intelligence namely, is put in subjection to the flesh by a blind adherence to the letter. […] Now it is surely a miserable slavery of the soul to take signs for things, and to be unable to lift the eye of the mind above what is corporeal and created, that it may drink in eternal light.” This passage highlights a difference between literal and figurative meaning and attempts to represent their difference through the relationship between soul and body in which it is clearly demonstrated that the soul has been caged in body where it finds it hard to perform its work which is determined by the Mother Nature for the soul. More clearly, from the religious perspective, it is like a punishment for the soul to live and pass its corporeal life in the cage of body. However, it is important to understand that the soul has no physical structure or presence when it comes to understand its role and purpose in this world. They (both body and soul) have been made for each other and both cannot live without the support of each other. Word count: 130 2. After twelve years Nature came to him, reproaching him sternly and scolding him: “It’s very strange that you behave like a boy, going out in the wind and the sun, when I had a special mold from which I shaped you with my own two hands! And the beauty I saved up for so long, I heaped on you! A thousand people consider me stingy in the beauty that you are filled with; for I held back beauty from a thousand others and used it to make you. A thousand women in this world will desire you for the beauty they will see in you, because they will think to find in you something that isn’t there at all. And a woman may be your good friend one minute, who would hate you with all her heart the next, if she knew your real nature; for she would consider herself deceived when her hope is shattered. You’re certainly doing me great wrong when you embrace such nurture. You must not roam the forest, throw spears, shoot arrows, or hunt. Get out of here!” said Nature. “Go to your room and your sewing, for that’s what Nature’s ways demand! You are not Silentius!” And he answered, “I never heard such a thing! Not Silentius? Who am I then? My name is Silentius, I think, or I am someone else than I was. But I know well, by my right hand, that I can’t be anyone else! So I am Silentius, it seems to me, or I am no one.” He thought to himself that Nature was speaking in sophistries; because the –us was against right usage, his name was not Silentius. He wanted to go off to sew as Nature had instructed him, because for neither a fief nor an inheritance should he keep up such a barbarous custom. [2497-2546] This passage highlights a conversation between the Mother Mary and the Jesus. The Mother Mary informs and guides the Jesus about His importance and role in the world. And it is the demand of His role and contribution that He must perform religious duty in the divine way. Subsequently, the conversation elaborates that the Jesus must not roam instead He should understand himself. In this regard, it is important to mention that the conversation mentions the role of Mother Mary as she has been the most venerated woman in the religious history and many women always want to be like Her. This liking is mainly caused by the fact that She represents the role of a perfect mother who always tries to help Her offspring to do better religious and social activities in the society. Word Count: 135 Attach image no. 8 here This image depicts the historical chronology of mankind till the arrival of Mary and the Jesus Christ. In this chorology, life starts from the bottom layer where idol worship is clearly depicted by the images in that layer. Most importantly, in this phase of mankind history, a subsequent evolution is underway in which different bodily standing positions and other methods of worship are clearly demonstrated. However, with the passage of time, change in the worship was constantly evolving when Mary, the mother of Lord Jesus, appeared in the second layer at the centre, gave birth to Jesus who is depicted at the end of the second layer at the left side of the image. Subsequently, Lord Jesus became a source to reach God, the Father, through His religious sayings and actions for the followers of Christian faith. In other words, the entire image has adequately highlighted the evolution from idol worship to the worship of the Holy Trinity. Word count: 158 Attach image no. 9 here This image depicts affection between the Father, the Mother and the Lord Jesus, known as the Holy Trinity. More clearly, the Mother Mary, who gave birth to the Jesus, is presenting the Son to the Father as this is reflected through the gesture of hands. In other words, the Mother is showing that the Jesus belongs to US and this is the same reflected in the image as the Jesus is standing between the Mother and the Father. More importantly, the bodily gesture of the Mother represents that the Father must take care of Jesus as He is small and it is Our responsibility to look after Him. Subsequently, the holding of Jesus’ hand by the Father also depicts that the Father understands His responsibility and assures that the Jesus will always be taken care of. Also, the image is showing that the Holy Trinity belongs to them as they provide basic foundations to the Christianity faith and belief to the followers of this religion. Word count: 165 Part IV 2. We have talked about how medieval authors give a personality to the narrating voices of the texts we have read, a personality which can range from neutral to highly characterized. Choose 3 of the medieval readings assigned so far, and talk about how the narrator is represented and what effect that representation has on the story / on the text. Attach image no. 7 here. This image also depicts the Holy Trinity. The author has attempted to highlight the relationship between the Holy Trinity through figuratively using colors and standing of horses in the image. For example, in the centre, the Jesus Christ has been shown as a small boy riding a horse having a different color; on the other hand, on the left and right hand side, the Father and the Mother are represented. Word Count: 70 Please, attach image number 09 here. In this image, the author has attempted to highlight the relationship between them. For example, the background color is figuratively used to depict that the world is filled with the pain misery, hanger and other social, economic and religious problems. Importantly, this depiction also represents the true reality of the world. Word count: 51 Read More