Late Middle Ages The world of the late Middle Ages in Britain was dominated by an emphasis on religious faith and a romantic literary spirit.
The contrasts of the Middle Ages were distinct than those of present day because they stood in closer proximity. The Middle Ages were not known for being luxurious.. Before castles, it was fairly easy and common for enemies to pillage a town overnight. It was terrible to be subjected to the raids, however in 1066, castles started to appear. Although there was better protection due to the castle, others problems arose. Farmers lived like commoners and nobles lived in castles. This caused many problems because farmers were always in and out of castles, allowing germs and diseases run a muck. Since diseases were becoming more and more common and people considered those who were sick to have been "touched by the Devil", not many lived inside the castle due to their condemning. Like most caste systems, only the wealthiest could afford to be educated, although some peasants did commit to their studies. Women, of course, were degraded and were ignored education-wise, but were also subjected to do whatever the husband wanted them to. Robin Hood, a Norman noble who became somewhat of an outlaw, was around this time. Fulk FitzWarin, the person believed to be Robin Hood, was associated with stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. |
Were the Dark Ages really so dark?
In John Green's "The Dark Ages: How Dark Were They Really?", he explains how the Dark Ages could be viewed as dark, but it mostly depended on the person's point of view. For instance in Europe, people were indeed experiencing the Dark Ages. Europe was dominated by superstition and religion, “like how many angels could fit on the head of a pin” and whatnot. Feudalism, which is the political system based on reciprocal relationship and is also an economic system, succeeded due to small local problems. Europe was very set on the idea of a caste system such as kings, lords, and peasants, with very little possibility of advancing in the system. Things were in fact so bad that the average life expectancy was 28 years of age. Thomas Aquinas, a famous philosopher during the Dark Ages, was also known as "Doctor Angelicus”. Aquinas reopened the question of faith and reason, calling into question modus vivendi. Euro-centrism was a big thing during the Dark Ages, as well. Euro-centrism is basically the practice of viewing the world from a European perspective. John Green basically says that the Dark Ages could be considered dark, but it was mainly based on one’s opinion. The Dark Ages were darker in Europe than in the Chinese Empire, where they in fact were having a “Golden Age”. In conclusion, John Green's video describes how the Dark Ages were in different parts of the world and makes the case that the determination of whether or not the Dark Ages were really dark, was based on one's view. Info. Source: "The Dark Ages: How Dark Were They Really?" Crash Course Videos. 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV7CanyzhZg. |
Depth Psychology: The Basis for Archetypal AnalysisThis six weeks, we'll be finding archetypes in movies and stories called "Archetypal Analysis".
This is basically looking for symbols in different stories and movies. Sigmund Freud is the man who invented the idea of the "unconscious" mind and also created the methods of psychoanalysis. |
Archetypes of the Quest in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 basically starts off by revealing that Voldemort, the devil figure, has the elder wand, the boon, thus making Voldemort the boon guardian as well as the devil figure. Then, Harry visiting Dobby’s grave; Dobby was a friendly beast who died trying to protect Harry. The grave is located at the haven in which Harry, Hermione, and Ron stay while trying to find the other horcruxes. Ron and Hermione have been by Harry’s side since the beginning, thus becoming loyal companions. Although, Hermione presents herself as much more, creating the image of a platonic ideal and a supernatural aid of some sorts.
As we continue, Ollivander, the herald, tells Harry that Voldemort is after him and since he has the elder wand, also known as the Deathstick, Voldemort is very powerful. Harry then makes a deal with Flitwick, the trickster and threshold guardian, in order to get into Madam LeStrange’s, who is a minion of Voldemort, vault located in the extremities. When they leave the haven and enter the bank, they encounter a dragon, the creature of nightmare, who later is their transportation out of the vault.
When Harry finds out where the rest of the horcruxes are, he immediately returns to Hogwarts. Voldemort has created an inversion by now because Hogwarts, the community, is now the center of abyss. Now it’s up to the students and professors of Hogwarts to use what they've learned to fight against Voldemort and his minions.
Snape, who is now headmaster due to the death of Dumbledore (Harry’s mentor), is often depicted as a devil figure because he’s a dementor, shows his true self during this time. Severus Snape dies trying to save Harry from Voldemort, thus giving him the title as an E.F.U.G (Evil Figure who is Ultimately Good). In the end, like always, good prevails and Voldemort is defeated, making Harry a hero.
As we continue, Ollivander, the herald, tells Harry that Voldemort is after him and since he has the elder wand, also known as the Deathstick, Voldemort is very powerful. Harry then makes a deal with Flitwick, the trickster and threshold guardian, in order to get into Madam LeStrange’s, who is a minion of Voldemort, vault located in the extremities. When they leave the haven and enter the bank, they encounter a dragon, the creature of nightmare, who later is their transportation out of the vault.
When Harry finds out where the rest of the horcruxes are, he immediately returns to Hogwarts. Voldemort has created an inversion by now because Hogwarts, the community, is now the center of abyss. Now it’s up to the students and professors of Hogwarts to use what they've learned to fight against Voldemort and his minions.
Snape, who is now headmaster due to the death of Dumbledore (Harry’s mentor), is often depicted as a devil figure because he’s a dementor, shows his true self during this time. Severus Snape dies trying to save Harry from Voldemort, thus giving him the title as an E.F.U.G (Evil Figure who is Ultimately Good). In the end, like always, good prevails and Voldemort is defeated, making Harry a hero.
Other Examples of the Quest Motif
- Marisol did a great job of thoroughly explaining the quest when she analyzed Fast and the Furious 6.
- Armando and Ruben did an amazing job analyzing The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and explaining the journey.
- Armando and Ruben did an amazing job analyzing The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and explaining the journey.