I am Karina. I am from a small town in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. I am the middle child and only girl. I am of hispanic origins. I have been on a pilgrimage to Spain. I have created a floor to ceiling mural. I enjoy trying new foods. I am never too full for sushi. I am a drawer, a runner, a pole vaulter, a student- freshmen in college. My goal in life is to run a marathon, climb the highest mountain, have a family, but most importantly reach my full potential.
Since this was my first week of college, I was unsure of what to expect from my classes. However, I found that I enjoyed myself and certain materials seem familiar. In high school, my art teacher made sure to help us develop our artistic talents, but also to learn about the different styles and their origins. So far Honors 202 has been interesting. Even though I know the elements and principles of art, I find the history still very intriguing. I was honestly surprised that the class consisted so much of art. At one point I wanted to be an art major.
Anyways, I am excited about the Renaissance time period because of some very famous artists. Some of my inspiration for my realistic or naturalistic work of art comes from Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.
The dedication needed to accomplish what Michelangelo did with the Sistine Chapel is truly inspiring.
8/30/2013
The Bible and the Qur'an
They both have the early testament, or at least have the same beliefs regarding it. Both deal with religious beliefs and practices, but there are a few vast differences.
The bible believes that the son of god has arrived and given the practices for the right path to heaven. The story may follow what he said, but he Jesus himself did not write the book. Instead, his followers wrote their own account of the events highlighting the words and actions of the son of God. The book is written as the events happen.
The Koran is more of a manual. It is very strict and gives more the rules that will lead the believer to the gateways of heaven. The book is not a narrative of the man’s visions, nor is the placement in the order they occurred. The man who received the visions was not even illiterate; his followers like Jesus’ wrote the book.
Both have the belief that God is all mighty and that the purpose of this world is to behave and follow the right path for the hope that what happens after death- if they are good, then heaven is theirs for eternity. But Christians believe that they are suppose to love God and not fear him for he had created human kind to know him, love him, and serve him. The Muslims believe that God created them as well, but they believe in the idea that they are suppose to follow the rules, not out of love, but fear.
Why fear though? Why not question? The Koran says that the book is to not be doubted, but why? Everyone has different beliefs, crazy ideas. There is no guarantee of the afterlife. There is no guarantee that no matter how much one follows the rules and practices make it to heaven. How can humans be so cruel to each other? How can people tell other people that they are going to hell for something?
There are such books called the Bible and Koran that supposedly are to guide, but one of the ten commandments in the bible is you shall not kill and yet is there not war? Is it not fine for a boy to go to war and is given permission to protect his country even if lives are taken? In the eyes of the country, is not that boy seen as a hero- a courageous and honorable man? Yet in the eyes of the church, should he not be seen as a murderer? Yet, when he dies in turn is he not buried on holy grounds according to his beliefs?
9/13/2013
Dante "Inferno"
Dante’s "Inferno" deals with the journey through hell in order to reach heaven. The idea is that if one sins, in the afterlife they will enter hell instead of the heavens. Sins are wrong doings, though Dante in his epic have categorized the sins into different circles in hell and gave each sin its appropriate punishment. I suppose there are connections from the sins to the punishments, but some are fairly strange. What about the idea of repenting over one’s sins and hence receiving God’s forgiveness due to the fact that the individual has regretted their behavior? Does it not apply to the people in hell? Is God not supposed to be the just, but loving God that is merciful to his children?
There are three main types of sin: incontinence, violence, and fraud. I can understand that due to the lack of will power lust, gluttony, greed, and anger can be sins. Too much of anything is then a bad thing. They are negative impulses that tempt humans greatly and corrupt even the best of men at times. However, limbo is too in this category. How can one be punished for something unknown? God had yet to have showed himself to the world, but those born before his son did are considered sinners just because they were not born during or after the time of Jesus. How is it a just punishment? Even though they have a less harsh punishment, it is still a punishment regardless. Could the people in limbo be saved, or are they supposed to be punished for being born at the wrong time? I suppose the idea that they have not done anything wrong besides not know and follow the beliefs of the Christian church due to their lack of existence bothers me.
In class we discussed that fraud was the lowest of the circles, even beneath violence: murder. At first the idea that fraud was a greater sin than murder was a little befuddling because to dictate whether another human being, another equal, lives or dies is too hold so much power- to destroy the life of another. However, violence is due to an impulse. All animals feel and act upon those impulses that improve their chances of survival- instincts. Fraud is different because humans have the choice to either pick one option or another. This category of sin is based on choices. Everyone is blessed with options; however, it is the choices people decide on that distinguish one person from another. Therefore, fraud is a conscious decision, rather than an impulse, and hence a greater sin in the “Inferno.”
9/27/13 The history of The Canterbury Tales is interesting. I think it is a great piece of work in general. The whole piece has the component of rhyme, which I find it to be impressive. I think it is a difficult task to write a whole book in rhymes. I also think it is a pity that Geoffrey Chaucer was unable to finish all the tales; it will forever be a mystery what his plans were for the rest of them. The noticeable differences of the characters create an exaggerated form of the true existence of those characters- satire. Chaucer emphasizes certain traits of the characters to show their true natures. Knights are often portrayed as noble people, which in the book the knight is also shows the characteristics of chivalry, truth, openhandedness, and courtesy. He is a brave man that knows his duty and is faithful to his morals and values. The Parson is also praised, due to his good nature. Although he was poor and faced many difficulties, he is always willing to help anyone that asks for his need and is pure of heart. “He was a model his flock could understand,/ For first he did and afterward he taught,” meaning that he followed his own advice from his preaching. He is not a hypocrite. The good people may be praised, but others that should have that same reputation of goodness are seen in a different light. A nun is supposed to devote herself and her life to the service of God because she has decided to follow him and his teachings; however, the Nun in the story is very different. Her priorities are mixed dramatically. She tried to educate herself not in spiritual matters, but instead in matters that would distinguish her social status. She works on her French and her posture, so that she may appear like a noble lady. She worries about the suffering of creatures, such as feeding street dogs when there are human children that starve to death each day and the injury of a little mouse when people are homeless and struggling with just surviving in the world. She lavishes herself with religious jewelry that she has no real need of and stuffs herself with delicious food to the point of being “not undergrown.” The Wife of Bath is definitely an interesting person. Her ideas are exotic for the time period. Is she an exaggeration? Or did women really feel in that same or similar matter? Or is it just a portrayal of what men assumed some women were like? Regardless, the Wife of Bath is a strong believer that women should hold the power over their husbands. She “knows” that her husbands are her slaves and debtors. She has womanly influences over her husbands that give her a certain power over them and she knows very well how to use them. I however find it ironic that the only one she loved was her last husband that hit her so hard it made her deaf, but after class discussion I can understand that because of their openness towards each other, they were much happier.
I am Karina. I am from a small town in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. I am the middle child and only girl. I am of hispanic origins. I have been on a pilgrimage to Spain. I have created a floor to ceiling mural. I enjoy trying new foods. I am never too full for sushi. I am a drawer, a runner, a pole vaulter, a student- freshmen in college. My goal in life is to run a marathon, climb the highest mountain, have a family, but most importantly reach my full potential.
Since this was my first week of college, I was unsure of what to expect from my classes. However, I found that I enjoyed myself and certain materials seem familiar. In high school, my art teacher made sure to help us develop our artistic talents, but also to learn about the different styles and their origins. So far Honors 202 has been interesting. Even though I know the elements and principles of art, I find the history still very intriguing. I was honestly surprised that the class consisted so much of art. At one point I wanted to be an art major.
Anyways, I am excited about the Renaissance time period because of some very famous artists. Some of my inspiration for my realistic or naturalistic work of art comes from Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.
http://larvalsubjects.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/renaissance-the-school-of-athens-classic-art-paitings-raphael-painter-rafael-philosophers-hd-wallpapers.jpg
The School of Athens is one of my favorite painting done by Raphael. The symmetry and the contrast, with the perspective. I love the realism.
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Sistine-Chapel-looking-up.jpg
The dedication needed to accomplish what Michelangelo did with the Sistine Chapel is truly inspiring.
8/30/2013
The Bible and the Qur'an
They both have the early testament, or at least have the same beliefs regarding it. Both deal with religious beliefs and practices, but there are a few vast differences.
The bible believes that the son of god has arrived and given the practices for the right path to heaven. The story may follow what he said, but he Jesus himself did not write the book. Instead, his followers wrote their own account of the events highlighting the words and actions of the son of God. The book is written as the events happen.
The Koran is more of a manual. It is very strict and gives more the rules that will lead the believer to the gateways of heaven. The book is not a narrative of the man’s visions, nor is the placement in the order they occurred. The man who received the visions was not even illiterate; his followers like Jesus’ wrote the book.
Both have the belief that God is all mighty and that the purpose of this world is to behave and follow the right path for the hope that what happens after death- if they are good, then heaven is theirs for eternity. But Christians believe that they are suppose to love God and not fear him for he had created human kind to know him, love him, and serve him. The Muslims believe that God created them as well, but they believe in the idea that they are suppose to follow the rules, not out of love, but fear.
Why fear though? Why not question? The Koran says that the book is to not be doubted, but why? Everyone has different beliefs, crazy ideas. There is no guarantee of the afterlife. There is no guarantee that no matter how much one follows the rules and practices make it to heaven. How can humans be so cruel to each other? How can people tell other people that they are going to hell for something?
There are such books called the Bible and Koran that supposedly are to guide, but one of the ten commandments in the bible is you shall not kill and yet is there not war? Is it not fine for a boy to go to war and is given permission to protect his country even if lives are taken? In the eyes of the country, is not that boy seen as a hero- a courageous and honorable man? Yet in the eyes of the church, should he not be seen as a murderer? Yet, when he dies in turn is he not buried on holy grounds according to his beliefs?
9/13/2013
Dante "Inferno"
Dante’s "Inferno" deals with the journey through hell in order to reach heaven. The idea is that if one sins, in the afterlife they will enter hell instead of the heavens. Sins are wrong doings, though Dante in his epic have categorized the sins into different circles in hell and gave each sin its appropriate punishment. I suppose there are connections from the sins to the punishments, but some are fairly strange. What about the idea of repenting over one’s sins and hence receiving God’s forgiveness due to the fact that the individual has regretted their behavior? Does it not apply to the people in hell? Is God not supposed to be the just, but loving God that is merciful to his children?
There are three main types of sin: incontinence, violence, and fraud. I can understand that due to the lack of will power lust, gluttony, greed, and anger can be sins. Too much of anything is then a bad thing. They are negative impulses that tempt humans greatly and corrupt even the best of men at times. However, limbo is too in this category. How can one be punished for something unknown? God had yet to have showed himself to the world, but those born before his son did are considered sinners just because they were not born during or after the time of Jesus. How is it a just punishment? Even though they have a less harsh punishment, it is still a punishment regardless. Could the people in limbo be saved, or are they supposed to be punished for being born at the wrong time? I suppose the idea that they have not done anything wrong besides not know and follow the beliefs of the Christian church due to their lack of existence bothers me.
In class we discussed that fraud was the lowest of the circles, even beneath violence: murder. At first the idea that fraud was a greater sin than murder was a little befuddling because to dictate whether another human being, another equal, lives or dies is too hold so much power- to destroy the life of another. However, violence is due to an impulse. All animals feel and act upon those impulses that improve their chances of survival- instincts. Fraud is different because humans have the choice to either pick one option or another. This category of sin is based on choices. Everyone is blessed with options; however, it is the choices people decide on that distinguish one person from another. Therefore, fraud is a conscious decision, rather than an impulse, and hence a greater sin in the “Inferno.”
9/27/13
The history of The Canterbury Tales is interesting. I think it is a great piece of work in general. The whole piece has the component of rhyme, which I find it to be impressive. I think it is a difficult task to write a whole book in rhymes. I also think it is a pity that Geoffrey Chaucer was unable to finish all the tales; it will forever be a mystery what his plans were for the rest of them.
The noticeable differences of the characters create an exaggerated form of the true existence of those characters- satire. Chaucer emphasizes certain traits of the characters to show their true natures. Knights are often portrayed as noble people, which in the book the knight is also shows the characteristics of chivalry, truth, openhandedness, and courtesy. He is a brave man that knows his duty and is faithful to his morals and values. The Parson is also praised, due to his good nature. Although he was poor and faced many difficulties, he is always willing to help anyone that asks for his need and is pure of heart. “He was a model his flock could understand,/ For first he did and afterward he taught,” meaning that he followed his own advice from his preaching. He is not a hypocrite.
The good people may be praised, but others that should have that same reputation of goodness are seen in a different light. A nun is supposed to devote herself and her life to the service of God because she has decided to follow him and his teachings; however, the Nun in the story is very different. Her priorities are mixed dramatically. She tried to educate herself not in spiritual matters, but instead in matters that would distinguish her social status. She works on her French and her posture, so that she may appear like a noble lady. She worries about the suffering of creatures, such as feeding street dogs when there are human children that starve to death each day and the injury of a little mouse when people are homeless and struggling with just surviving in the world. She lavishes herself with religious jewelry that she has no real need of and stuffs herself with delicious food to the point of being “not undergrown.”
The Wife of Bath is definitely an interesting person. Her ideas are exotic for the time period. Is she an exaggeration? Or did women really feel in that same or similar matter? Or is it just a portrayal of what men assumed some women were like? Regardless, the Wife of Bath is a strong believer that women should hold the power over their husbands. She “knows” that her husbands are her slaves and debtors. She has womanly influences over her husbands that give her a certain power over them and she knows very well how to use them. I however find it ironic that the only one she loved was her last husband that hit her so hard it made her deaf, but after class discussion I can understand that because of their openness towards each other, they were much happier.