NeoClassica

Locke's Lasting Influence In this week’s reading, the focus was on John Locke, and an excerpt from his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, primarily the Epistle to the Reader. In his introduction, the author explains that his essay came about through lengthy discussions with friends. He initially thought that one piece of paper would contain all he had to say about the idea, but as time went by, he found himself coming back to the subject matter and expanding what he had to say. Locke comes off as apologetic when he tells the reader that he or she may find the essay redundant or repetitive, but admits that he was not going to edit any of the content. Ultimately, Locke's Essay is a labor of love of which Locke spent many hours working on and off on over an extended period and is the result of a very personal project for the author. The author presents the idea that thoughts are all for all humans, not just those enlightened by divinity. Thoughts, ideas, concepts, and...

Is Not Disagreeing Agreeing? Aphra Behn's Unbiased Treatment of Slavery in Oroonoko In Warren Chernaik article “Captains and Slaves: Aphra Behn and the Rhetoric of Republicanism Criticism,” the author points out, through a Post Colonial aspect, that it is surprising how little discussion there is in regards to how the text presents slavery. A Post Colonial criticism of literature, according to Perdue Owl Writing Lab, aims to look at a piece of literature that deals with people who have been or are colonized, and its colonizers. “Post-colonial theory looks at issues of power, economics, politics, religion, and culture and how these elements work in relation to colonial hegemony.” (Perdue) The author presents that Behn’s story has been argued to show support of colonization as a whole, which would by default support slavery. Slavery, I feel, is the most severe of the consequences of colonization. I do agree with the article in that it appears that Behn may take slavery fo...

Dryden's Mock Heroic Verse John Dryden was an incredibly well-educated and brilliant author and critic who was able to unite  all his talents and fathered a genre of literature that we enjoy to this day. You might say that it all began with his famed mock-epic poem “Mac Flecknoe.” The poem, I believe, was intended for a particular audience, much like today’s political satire is most effectively enjoyed by those who keep up with politics. That is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the historical context of when literature was written to appreciate the overall meaning and be able to walk away with more than just a personal interpretation. In Mac Flecknoe, Dryden presents a writer who can’t quite deliver. Mac Flecknoe will do anything to try and come across as funny, but his wit falls short.  It is common that the author Dryden was talking about was Thomas Shadwell. What Dryden does in his mock-epic is to attack all the elements that Shadwell was ai...

Science and Religion This week we read and discussed issues that have always affected the human mind and our existence: Politics and Science. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan.  Bunyan was a very religious and political man as is evident in this particular text about a man named “Christian” and the journey he must endure. It is important to remember that in the 17th century, religion and politics were synonymous. John Bunyan was himself a Protestant, had had a modest education and went to jail about twelve times as a result of his beliefs. It’s believed that it was during his time in prison that Bunyan began to write “ The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Bunya’s story is presented as a dream where the main character, Christian, journeys to find salvation and encounters many obstacles and characters that either aid or disrupt his trip. The characters are appropriately named after their function in Christian’s journey. They have names such as “Evangelist,” “Faithful,...