Essay about Tolstoys What Is Art - 938 Words

Leo Tolstoy compares art to speech by mentioning that art is a form of communication. The communication that Tolstoy writes about in â€Å"What Is Art?† is of two types, good and bad. According to Tolstoy, good art is what carries humanity towards perfection (Tolstoy 383). It is this movement forward in humanity that is emphasized by Tolstoy. Tolstoy informs his readers that speech is what teaches knowledge from human history, but art is what teaches the emotions of mankind’s past. As knowledge becomes obsolete in society it is replaced by new and more relevant information. Tolstoy asserts that emotions act the same way. The purpose of art is to express new and more relevant feelings to humankind. The new feelings are for the†¦show more content†¦It is when the artist begins to add nuances and harmonies to the melody that the work becomes inaccessible to the unlearned ear, thus isolating a portion of the audience. When works of art are created to express the un iversality of humankind they are more beneficial to it. As an example, this view is dissimilar to the view if Dante, who believed that the language of a work should be elevated. Tolstoy argues the more details that are given in the work the more opportunities for disconnection from its message the audience has (391). Accessibility is important for Tolstoy, but it is also important that the work be instructive and beneficial. It is in this idea of instruction that one can find similarities with Plato. Tolstoy, like Plato, does not emphasize the work of the artist, but how the work relates with the world around it. If the work is not good than it is useless. Again, what Tolstoy means by â€Å"good† is the work speaks to humankinds need for unity. It is the importance of unity, with God and one another, which supersedes all other ideas in art for Tolstoy. Again, it is emotions that unite men. Tolstoy writes: And only two kinds of feelings unite all men: first, feelings flowing from a perception of our sonship to God and of the brotherhood of man; and next, the simple feelings of common life accessible to every one without exception–such as feelings of merriment, of pity, of cheerfulness of tranquility and so forth. OnlyShow MoreRelatedLeo Tolstoy s What Is Art?992 Words   |  4 PagesLeo Tolstoy’s What is Art? (1896) is a written work about his ideas concerning the nature of art. Tolstoy’s book concerns how art can express ideas of how to act right and what it’s purpose is. According to Tolstoy art is the intentional communication of an emotion from the artist to the audience where the hope is that the audience feels the emotion felt by the artist. This definition of art varies from other philosophies. Tolstoy believes that this type of communication is inevitable, that it isRead MoreThe Theories Presented By Tolstoy And Bell1493 Words   |  6 PagesTo cat egorize art by such vague criteria as expression and form would be difficult if it were not for the several prevailing theories presented by Tolstoy and Bell. According to Tolstoy’s theory of expression, something is art only if it successfully does the following. First, it must have been created with the intention of being art and revealed to an audience through a publicly accessible medium, even if the audience is a single individual. These mediums must be physical things such as shapes,Read MoreWhat Is The Religious Influence Of Leo Tolstoy1221 Words   |  5 PagesLeo Tolstoy’s religious household, his service in the Russian military during the Crimean War and his time spent traveling abroad, and his descriptive and immersive writing style all come together to make him one of the most highly regarded authors of his time. Being raised in a religious, high-class family that was full of death greatly influenced Tolstoy’s writing of What I Believe, The Death of Ivan Ilyich, and War and Peace. For example, Tolstoy’s heavy religious influence from his family greatlyRead More Tolstoys Philosophy of Art Essay533 Words   |  3 PagesTolstoys Philosophy of Art Tolstoy approaches art with a very specific and narrow view of what is real and what is counterfeit in classifying artwork and what makes a work of art good or bad. Tolstoy believes that a work of art can be classified as real if and only if one man consciously by means of certain external signs, hands on to others feelings he has lived through, and that others are infected by these feelings and also experience them (10). He believes that art can only be definedRead MoreLooking at Hugh Hefners Portrait from Various Lenses Essays1159 Words   |  5 PagesCynthia Freeland argued that art communicates significance but there is no one precise hypothetical approach that tells us how to best interpret a work of art. Although there are better interpretations of a piece artwork than others, there is no one-way to interpret a single piece of art. The best interpretations understand the background of the artist while also focusing on the style that the artist uses. The emotions and ideas that come from looking at a piece of art work can come from the artist’sRead MoreAnalysis Of Leo Tolstoy s The French Artist 1258 Words   |  6 PagesLeo Tolstoy’s aesthetical assessment of art, and the role progress plays in regards to it, contrast greatly from that of the French artist, Marcel Duchamp. However connections can be made between their various aesthetical art theories, inclu ding in a way, the relationship the art has with the viewer. Although the audience’s role is radically different to each, it is essential component to both, Duchamp’s and Tolstoy’s aesthetical theories. Tolstoy approaches the aesthetic view of art as aRead MoreEssay on Tolstoys War and Peace939 Words   |  4 PagesTolstoys War and Peace Summary War and Peace tells the story of the Rostovs, an upper-class family in Russia, and several people associated with them. It follows the characters through fifteen years during the Napoleonic Wars, from 1805 to 1820. It gives a fictional description of the events in the life of the Rostov family as well as some of the historical events of the time. Analysis Tolstoy is regarded by some as the greatest writer about war (Bayley 16). He includes detailsRead MoreEssay on What Is The Expression Theory Of Art1484 Words   |  6 Pages Art has evolved and regenerated itself many times during our human existence. These differences are defined through changes in styles under various theories. During the nineteenth and early twentieth century, a style known as Expressionism became popular. During this movement the artists were trying to use their artwork as a tool of expression toward life. It was mainly dominant in the nonrepresentational arts, such as abstract visual arts and music. It also was probably one of the most difficultRead MoreThe Confession By Leo Tolstoy1661 Words   |  7 PagesLeo Tolstoy – The Confession Many people find themselves in a mid-life crisis when they reflect on what is the real meaning of human life. Leo Tolstoy wrote his literal interpretation of God’s teachings. Towards his golden years, the writer rejected privileges and wealth and became a wandering ascetic. At the height of his career, he encountered a midlife crisis which revolutionized his views towards life. Tolstoy said that he considered ending his life since he no longer understood the meaningRead MoreThe majority of modern pornography is not art, and by using a selective definition of Leo Tolstoy’s1800 Words   |  8 Pagesmodern pornography is not art, and by using a selective definition of Leo Tolstoy’s version of art, and John Dewey’s theory of art as experience, we can determine that pornography is nothing more than shallow entertainment that exacerbates social inequalities of society’s gender roles. Despite this, pornography has the potential to become art, and should therefore not be censored. It is important to define pornography, as well as Tolstoy and Dewey’s definitions of art, in order to set the groundwork

The Unknown Assassin - Original Writing - 1473 Words

The Unknown Assassin People. Tons and tons of people. I attentively scope my surroundings as they wave their homemade signs in the air, anxiously awaiting for the person they all came here to see. The mustard-colored sun beats down on the pavement and the trees sway back and forth gracefully in the wind; the leaves just beginning to fall on this late November morning. Who knew there could be so much excitement in one place? I, however, do not wave signs. I do not cringe inside with anticipation. I do not chant, cheer, or holler. I am silent. I do not say a word. I crouch behind the dusty, worn-down fence, and think carefully of what I am about to do. Is it worth it? Will I be satisfied? What will happen to this country? The car isn’t†¦show more content†¦Mama and Papa always talked about how he will â€Å"ruin our nation† and how his â€Å"communist policies† were unfair and unjust. I didn’t really pay attention to the protests or the news however , because my job was my main and primary focus. Being twenty-one, I worked as a book clerk at a local library around town almost everyday in order to help provide for our family of four. I was forced to quit college because the economy was slowly plummeting, but I didn’t mind putting in the extra hours if it would help out. â€Å"They aren’t in a good mood this morning,† Rosa exclaimed with a worrisome look on her face. â€Å"Mama and Papa know something is wrong.† â€Å"Everything is fine,† I reassured her with a smile, â€Å"Just go to school and don’t get into any trouble.† She hopped out the door, almost dropped her lunch, and waved back at me while laughing. That day would be my last in Cuba, for Mama told us about our departure that night. ****************************************************************************** John F. Kennedy. That name had always been captivating to me from the start. After Rosa and I first came to the United States in Miami, Florida with our visa-waivers, I began to learn who this man was and how he affected Cuba. Mama and Papa were still back in our home with Castro, the man who Kennedy eventually tried to take down but failed. They were not able to come with me and Rosa to America because the waivers were onlyShow MoreRelatedBob Dylans Impact on Pop Culture1515 Words   |  7 Pagesculture. He appeared at cause concerts and voter registrations and began to receive acclamation as the voice for a generation. [Bob Dylan Live 1966, 1998] and provided a clue into the workings of an increasingly disenfranchised youth culture. [Author Unknown, Bob Dylan Bio]. He also assisted in the creation of folk rock and even hip hop and rap in some of his music, such as his 1965 tour of England â€Å"Don’t Look Back† with its free association lyrics harking back to the ma nic energy of ‘beat poetry’ a forerunnerRead MorePeculiarities of Euphemisms in English and Difficulties in Their Translation19488 Words   |  78 Pagesearlier synonym. The aim of our work is to investigate the sources , the use and translation of euphemisms. We concentrate our attention on political texts. Euphemisms are difficult for the non- native speaker to learn in isolation from their original source. Grouping of euphemisms into categories according to a particular theme facilitates the process of learning. In my diploma paper we have set forth to study the use and translation of euphemisms and doubletalk in modern political articlesRead MoreHistory of Forensic Science6897 Words   |  28 Pagesof soil be part of the procedure in all exhumation cases. He was a prominent member of the Parisian social and intellectual elite, and a regular attendee (and host) of salons in the 1820s and 1830s. But his zealous activities as dean, his prolific writings on polarizing issues, and his ardent pro-monarchist politics made him numerous enemies. After he was removed from his post as dean during the 1848 revolution, a commission was set up to investigate illegal or irregular acts during his tenure, butRead More Political Communication in Oliver Stone’s Platoon and JFK Essay4747 Words   |  19 Pagescommunication intends to enact or drive social changes, some political communication seeks to maintain the status quo. The film medium, which is the subject of this paper, has a much broader mass appeal than other medias and often changes the viewer’s original beliefs and perceptions when he or she experiences over an hour straight of visual indoctrination of only one view. Over the course of the semester, we have learned about the informal process of the government. In our first paper of the semesterRead MoreA World Lit Only by Fire Outline Essay8153 Words   |  33 Pagescivitate Dei (The City of God) a. Wrote that Rome was being punished not for the new Christian religion, but for the old religion. i. Punished because of â€Å"lascivious acts† and â€Å"corruption among politicians†. 2. Believed that the original sins were temptation and lust. a. Rooted from Adam and Eve. b. Wrote that people became corrupted in conception. i. Sexual intercourse was a â€Å"mass of perdition (exitium).† c. The Virgin Mary could save some of those who were corruptRead MoreAmerican Literature11652 Words   |  47 PagesAmerican Literature - 1750-1800 Content: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · national mission and American character democratic utopia use of reason history is an act of individual and national self-assertion Genre/Style: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · political pamphlets travel writing highly ornate writing style fiction employs generic plots and characters fiction often tells the story of how an innocent young woman is tested by a seductive male Effect: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · patriotism grows instills pride creates common agreement about issues showsRead MoreWalts Whitmans Vision of America in Leaves of Grass17685 Words   |  71 Pages†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.†©44†© Personal†©comments†©Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.†©45†© VII. †© VIII. Conclusion†©Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.†©47†© †© IX. †© Bibliography†©Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.†©49†© Acknowledgments†©Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.†©50†© †© X. †© †© †© †© †© †© †© Original†©copy†©of†©the†©first†©edition†©of†©Leaves†©of†©Grass†©(1855)†© 3 †© I.†©Introduction†© Walt†©Whitman’s†©vision†©of†©America†©in†©Leaves†©of†©Grass,†©TM†©2012†© Despite†©being†©one†©of†©the†©most†©prominent†©American†©poets†©of†©his†©time,†©Walt†©Whitman†© and†© his†© idea†© of†© a†©Read MoreThomas Hardy Poems16083 Words   |  65 PagesLine 11, there is an alliteration of  ´C ´, â€Å"crass casualty† that creates a sharp angry yet satisfying tone. Personification is the device seen in this sonnet as it is seen at line 9,†joy lies slain† where joy is seen as a person being killed by an assassin, hence being slain. Line 12, time is personified as a gambler who throws a â€Å"moan† as he is throwing the dice in an attempt for it to land on happiness. The persona challenges god fiercely in an outraged tone, a sad tone is being detected in hardy’sRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Harold Pinter s The Room 9709 Words   |  39 Pagesproduced through colloquial language, apparent triviality, and long pauses†2 (â€Å"Pinteresque†). But just as every literary innovation is reminiscent of certain traits of the age preceding it and at the same time is influenced by the contemporary trend in writing style and theme, Pinter’s plays also have been influenced by Modernism in literature which began in the latter half of the nineteenth century and continued till 1950 and Post-modernism which started in the 1950s and dates till today. To initiate aRead MoreEssay on The Death of Alexander the Great7402 Words   |  30 Pageshappy. It is important to note that there is no mention of the plot to poison Alexander by Curtius. The reason for this is unknown, but it provides ammunition to those who wish to downplay the p lots validity. Peter Greens first biography of Alexander was released in 1970. He is the first of the modern historians to be discussed. The 1991 reprint of the 1970 original Alexander of Macedon is the basis for the following information and analysis. Peter Green believes Alexanders alter

A Character Sketch of Mustapha Mond in Brave New World Free Essays

Mustapha Mond Character Sketch It is said that a great leader must always lead by example. This is not always true, a leader must sometimes partake in some negative activities in order to protect the interests of the populous. An excellent example of this is Mustapha Mond. We will write a custom essay sample on A Character Sketch of Mustapha Mond in Brave New World or any similar topic only for you Order Now When one first meets Mustapha Mond, it is obvious that he is distinctly different from the other alpha plusses; Mond is unique, wise, and authoritative. Mustapha Mond is unique in part because he reads prohibited literature. Unlike the other denizens of Brave New World, Mond has read the classic works of Shakespeare, the Bible, and other remnants of the old world. Additionally, he believes in the presence of god. This is a concept unknown to most of the populous, because society has made god unnecessary; when no one is ever alone or unhappy, they do not need to request things from god. Mond used to be an inquisitive scientist; he was smart enough to realize that the so-called science they practiced was not real innovation, thus he started to experiment on his own or in Mond’s words, † ‘I started doing a bit of cooking on my own. Unorthodox cooking, illicit cooking. A bit of real science’ â€Å"(226). Doing things in private, let alone doing science in private is something unheard of in Brave New World. Although, being the only man in a world full of sheep, can be a good trait to a leader. Mond is wise, thus a good leader. He understands the big picture. One example of this ability, is that he recognizes that the high arts cannot exist without strife. The current society has nearly no pain, no sorrow, no loneliness, and none of the detrimental negative emotions that are necessary to understand works of high art, such as Othello. He recognizes that the populous would no longer understand classics like Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, he recognizes that however much workers may request for shorter hours, the truth is, they are happier working the longer work days. This is because, workers have nothing to do in their â€Å"spare time† as was exemplified by Mond, † ‘Ireland was put on to the four-hour day. What was the result? Unrest and a large increase in the consumption of soma’ † (224). In fact, Mond claims that the Invention office is stuffed with labor saving ideas; however, for the sake of stability, he uses his authority as the Resident World Controller to hold back change that would be detrimental to society. Authority is a requirement for people in positions of power, and as the Resident World Controller, Mond is not afraid to use his power. A stable society cannot have dissenters, thus, all nonconformists are sent to sub centers including Bernard Marx and Helmholtz. However, he does not allow John to leave Brave New World, with his fore mentioned friends Bernard and Helmholtz, because the experiment, being the introduction of a â€Å"savage† into civilization, must go on. Mond’s authority is best summarized in his own words: † ‘I make the laws here, I can also break them. With impunity, Mr. Marx, Which I’m afraid you can’t’ † (219). In the words of Vincent Thomas Lombardi, â€Å"The leader can never close the gap between himself and the group. If he does, he is no longer what he must be. † Mustapha Mond is an excellent example of this, Mond is a wise, unique, and authoritative leader with traits that distinguish him from the other alpha plusses. He is one of the few conscious people in a world full of glassy eyed automatons. How to cite A Character Sketch of Mustapha Mond in Brave New World, Papers