How do different cultures and societies perceive and portray monsters in literature, film, and art?5 answersDifferent cultures and societies perceive and portray monsters in various ways in literature, film, and art. In the medieval context, monsters were depicted as beings deviating from cultural norms, often symbolizing moral voids and inspiring fear. Post-Chinese economic reform, monster children images emerged, characterized by a combination of grotesque and frailty, a unique mother-child complex, a "salvation" function, and expressions of adulthood. Mary Shelley's "Monster" in "Frankenstein" continues to influence modern perceptions, raising questions about origin, identity, and societal anxieties. Western discourses often associate monsters with elements of difference, deviance, and exclusion, particularly in contexts like illness and sexual transgression. Globalization has led to the representation of monstrous effects and products, reflecting fears, anxieties, and political responses to global forces.
How does Gertrude's character change throughout Act 1 in Hamlet?4 answersGertrude's character undergoes significant changes throughout Act 1 in Hamlet. Initially, she is portrayed as a guilt-ridden and sexually promiscuous woman, with her infidelity and seemingly virtuous nature being extensively analyzed. However, it is suggested that Gertrude's character can be interpreted differently, free from the social and political conventions that confined Elizabethan England. In adaptations of Hamlet, Gertrude's character has been transformed to challenge the norms of womanhood represented in conventional literary works. These adaptations explore new dimensions of Gertrude's character, emphasizing ecstasy, motherhood, and agency, which starkly distinguish her from her Shakespearean characterization. These revisions of Hamlet should not be seen as mere responses to the original text, but as subversive of both the patriarchal voice within Shakespeare's play and the belief in the superiority of Shakespeare's thought.
What are the characteristics of the antagonist in the film?5 answersThe characteristics of the antagonist in the film can vary depending on the specific film and its narrative. However, some common characteristics can be identified. Villains in narrative films are often portrayed as having guilty intentionality, engaging in consequential actions, and having causal responsibility for their actions. The portrayal of the antagonist can also be influenced by factors such as their ethnicity and whether they are portrayed sympathetically or non-sympathetically. In European and American silent films, the villain was often represented as an element of evil, with different aesthetic constructions and characteristics of beauty and ugliness. It is also worth noting that contemporary films are moving away from a single-protagonist structure and featuring a wider assortment of characters with independent narrative lines.
What were the main characteristics of the cult of Hercules?5 answersThe cult of Hercules was characterized by his association with different trees, such as the wild olive, laurel, oak, and poplar. In Gaul, Hercules was depicted as an aged, wizened figure, holding a club and a bow, and drawing his followers with delicate chains of gold and amber. He was seen as a wise man who achieved everything through eloquence and persuasion. Hercules was also portrayed as a strong and virtuous hero, with a mixture of human failings and godlike gifts, making him relatable and revered. The myth of Hercules had different versions, with the Lybic Hercules being portrayed as the benefactor and responsible for peopling and memory preservation, while the Theban Hercules was characterized as a warrior and liberator. The cult of Hercules had moral instructions and included participants from different social groups, including men, women, slaves, and free individuals.
What are the main characters in the novel?3 answersThe main characters in the novel are the hero and heroine, who play important roles in driving the story and are central to the plot. In the novel "Habibie & Ainun," the main characters are Habibie and Ainun, who are described as genius, smart, romantic, caring, lovely, faithful, patient, responsible, religious, and hard workers. In the novel "The Help," the main characters who exhibit anti-racism attitudes are Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny.
What is the difference in the depiction of revenge in Hamlet and Nutshell?5 answersThe depiction of revenge in Hamlet and Nutshell differs in several ways. In Hamlet, Shakespeare explores the theme of revenge through multiple plots, including the revenge plot, the Hamlet-Ophelia romance, and the looming war with Norway. The protagonist, Hamlet, procrastinates his revenge until the final act, leading to various deaths and highlighting his incapability to promptly avenge. Additionally, Shakespeare incorporates biblical and Christian teachings subtly in Hamlet's quest for revenge, presenting him as a pious prince seeking justice for his father's murder. On the other hand, in Nutshell, the main character's revenge takes an unusual and unexpected approach, preventing the escape of the mother and uncle from the police. The focus in Nutshell is on the main character's unique form of revenge, rather than exploring multiple plots or incorporating religious elements as in Hamlet.