Philip Sidney and J. Alfred Prufrock

In class we have been discussing Sir Philip Sidney, a famous philosopher and critique of literature during the Renaissance era. We are to compare some of his ideas to that of the famous literary work, "The Love Song of J. Alfred and Prurock." One of the points Sidney tries to make is about human creativity in a theological context. He refers to "original sin, as a result of which our erected wit, maketh us know what perfection is, and yet our infected will, keepeth from reaching unto it." In the Love Song of J. Alfred Profruck, Prufrock lives a life of despair, one of sin. That sin, is present in the poem. For example, his weakness is that of love and to fulfill this desire, Prufrock visits "one night cheap hotel and sawdust restraunts with oyster shells." Finding prostitutes, with the intention of sleeping with a wome exemplifies sin. Prufrock knows he is sinful, and is far from perfect. He is concerned with his looks because he is aging quickly. "With a bald spot in the middle of my hair, they willl say, "how his hair is growing thin."

Sidney might view the work of T.S. Eliot's literary work as one that is not moral. Sidney defines poetry that is moral by being able to "delight and teach." Sidney also believes "the object of both teaching and delighting is goodness:by delighting, the poet moves people to welcome goodness; and by teaching, he enables them to "know that goodness whereunto they are moved. " I am not too sure if this poem actually teaches a readers much. The poem leaves an array of questions such as "who Prufrock is addressing, what is symbolic and literal in the poem, and what is the true meaning of the work. I feel like this poem from the viewpoint of Sidney would not be much of a success in his eyes. There is not much to teach and because of the dark, gloomy feel to the poem, it really doesn't provide much reading delight.

The Later Middle Ages

As the economy grew and became stable during the later Middle Ages, education became more of an emphasis, in particular universities. Grammar and rhetoric were taught, as well as regular cirriculum. Neo-Platonism regressed and the ideas of scholasticism became popular. Scholasticism primarily focused philosophical teachings of the church. These philosophical ideas focused ideas on poetry and how these writing were based on logic rather than grammar. Poetry was supposed to "manipulate language rather than as a subject of its own content." In other words, scholastic believers of this time did not think highly of poetry becasue it caused distraction to theology, scriptures and the Christian doctrine. It's worth noting that the views of logic and poetry, were very similar to Aristotle. However, there were many people who opposed this notion of poetry being a distraction. Many philosophers disagreed, believing poetry offered moral instruction and provided enjoyment. Overall, poetry recieved mixed types of criticism. Many believed it embodied learning, and should be taught in the cirriculum with subjects such as dialect, grammar and rhetoric. Many on the other hand still viewed poetry as logic and had no place in grammatical tradition.

Thoughts on the The Medieval Era

Habib the author of the text, made a strong connection of the Church to that of the Medieval Times. In the first few pages of the chapter, I found it interesting the importance and influence Christianity played in the government, social class, commerce, order, education and even layed a foundation for Feudalism. The Church promoted and dominated ideas and values to that of the Empire such as moral values, leadership, and appropriate conduct. Literature during the Medieval time incorporated many of the values listed above and tied them into ideas of classical thought. The Church used literature in ways to press issues like salvation, preparation, and to continue classical philosophy.
Augustine, a christian thinker, influenced those of Roman and Protestant thought. His strategy was to combine classical thought and literature to Christian morals and purposes. Augustine believed that philosophy had a place in wisdom, but insisted reason promoted the understanding of faith and God. He believed that pride was one of the main reasons for sin. One of the key points Augustine made was that while he didn't oppose human's free will, he believed human decisions and actions had a sufficient cause. People are not chosen to heaven based on their goodness but for unknown reasons.
Lastly, I think one of the most important pieces of this chapter deals with signs and figurative language. Augustine believes that figurative expression should "not be taken literally." He says that that what is taken literally must be taken figurative and that figurative langauge is an expression and needs to be understood. Figurative language is supposed to make someone look through things, taking them as signs of a symbolic level.

Sublimity-What Moves Me

In class we have been covering Longinus and sublime. The idea of sublimity covers much depth, but sublime to me is an experience and or emotion that creates a great feeling, memory, and makes you obtain a higher feeling.

Things that move me:

The first thing that comes to mind that moves me and can be considered sublime is music. I love all types of music, it always creates positive feelings, emotions. Music seems to trigger so many things.
Songs that move me:
1. Wont Back Down by Tom Petty- one of my all time favorite songs, I think the title speaks for itself, can be applied in many ways of life.
2. More Than a Feeling by Boston-brings a great sense of joy, an upbeat rock song that can be listened to in any type of situation
3.I've Got Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks- reminds me of partying with my friends, karoake at the bars, and lots of beer drinking
4. How We Do by 50 Cent and The Game-nothing like driving in your car listening to this song
5. Freebird by Lynard Skynard- I enjoy this song because of the instrumentals throughout

Athletics has created lots of sublimity throughout my life. There are a few particular occurences that come to mind. Basketball season 2004 senior year in high school. With a playoff spot on the line I scored 27 points to lead my team to victory. The ultimate feeling of accomplishment that came with performance is a memory I will not forget. All the hardwork and time put in, created a certain satisfaction that cannot be repeated.

Pitching a two hit shutout in the semifinals of the state tournament against one of the top teams in state. All the hours spent practicing had paid off, and prepared me for success in one the biggest games that I ever pitched in.

Living in Washington State- where else can you live and be near so much beauty? I have been blessed to live in such a beautiful area. I can drive in nearly 4 hrs to Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainer, the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountain Range, the Cascade Rainforest, the Puget Sound, Canada, or Seattle. The Pacific Northwest is an amazing place to live, and makes it more rewarding, and satisfying to return home every winter and summer break.

My family is a huge part of my life. They support me in whatever I choose to do, and have provided a foundation for me to be successful in life.

The book My Side of the Mountain, I read this book three times over when I was a young child, about a boy running away from home, with his pet hawk, and lives in the trunk of a tree. The indepenedence the boy feels living on his own and the adventure he encounters made for fun reading.

Longinus

The obvious component of Longinus' philosophy is that of the sublime, which pertains to rhetorical text, literary analysis, poetry and prose. The sublime, according to Longinus "consists in a consummate excellence and distinction of language." In other words, the sublime is an elevation of style, simplicity, and fills people with joy. I think Longinus feels that literature is "above the ordinary," which he classifies as successful writing. He believes great thought, emotion, certain figures of speech/wording, and word arrangement promote success according to the sublime. I think Longinus proposes some useful, fulfulling ideas on good literature, and believe his philosphy was unique and new for its time. What I took out of this chapter was that Longinus far more focused on the importance of style, rather than the norm of his time, which seemed to be the importance of technicality of writing.