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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 44 votes)
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44 reviews
July 15,2025
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Ok, so I only had to read chapters 1 - 17, but still.

It's a significant accomplishment. The fact that it's crossed off the Master's list means that I have completed a task assigned by an authority figure.

This gives me a sense of satisfaction and achievement.

Moreover, it's also crossed off of Goodreads. Goodreads is a popular platform for book lovers to track their reading progress and share their thoughts and reviews.

By crossing it off on Goodreads, I am not only keeping myself accountable but also sharing my reading journey with others.

It allows me to connect with like-minded individuals and engage in discussions about the book.

Overall, although I only read a portion of the book, crossing it off these lists gives me a sense of fulfillment and encourages me to continue my reading adventures.
July 15,2025
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It is truly exciting to come to the realisation of how little of what we term modern thinking is actually modern.

Another aspect to consider would be how little of it is actually thinking, but that is an oxymoron I will leave for those days when my brain is functioning at a higher level - which perhaps means it's a euphemism for never.

As you can sense from my rather uncatchy introductory phrase, I have spent several hours delving into German Enlightenment theory on intermediality and intertextuality.

Just as always when one spends time with the arts, you can feel the impact on your own mind. You begin to adapt your thoughts and expressions to the artwork that initially piqued your interest, thereby continuing the dialogue between art and reception.

This is the case for me with regard to Lessing and the topic of his essay "Laocoon", which is widely quoted for its definition of art and literature as distinct media using their own specific tools to create a story.

While painting focuses on capturing the most fruitful moment in time to condense action into a transient painting filled with subtext and unspoken meaning, literature is a sequence of episodic actions.

Every work of art engages in communication with other creative processes, and each time there is a transformative movement from one medium to another, the framework of creation becomes visible.

I find this incredibly stimulating. However, sometimes I feel so grumpy that I verge on despair because our fast-paced modern lifestyle causes us to lose the connection to the deep roots of references between the arts and different eras.

If we no longer recognise the sculpture of Laocoon in a political caricature of contemporary issues, what is the value of all our fancy modern words for the ancient comparison of the arts?

If we don't connect a delicious sub-clause in Forster's "Howards End" to the Kipling poem that inspired it (in this case, "White Man's Burden"), how are we going to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of Art as a whole?

Lessing's erudite essay compels me to read all the footnotes as he freely cites from Greek and Latin sources that look beautiful but are meaningless to me. He leads me into the jungle of cultural references that lie dormant in each text and each painting.

I am truly in awe of all the things I don't know. And I dare not even claim that I know that I don't know. That would be an overestimation of my knowledge.

Nevertheless, it fills me with joy that this vast world of knowledge exists out there, waiting for me to explore if my life - an episodic sequence of actions - provides me with enough contemplative space to discover a fruitful moment!
July 15,2025
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Michel Chaouli taught us about the silent scream. This concept is not only interesting but also has practical applications in various fields.

One example where the silent scream can be seen is in _The Godfather III_. The movie uses the image of Laocoon to convey this powerful emotion.

Laocoon is a famous ancient Greek sculpture that depicts a man and his sons being attacked by serpents. The expression on Laocoon's face is one of intense agony and suffering, yet he makes no sound.

In _The Godfather III_, the filmmakers use this image to show the internal turmoil and silent screams of the characters. The characters are faced with difficult decisions and experiences that cause them great pain, but they are unable or unwilling to express their emotions openly.

This use of the silent scream adds depth and complexity to the movie, making it a more powerful and memorable work of art. It also shows how the concept of the silent scream can be used in different forms of media to convey powerful emotions and ideas.
July 15,2025
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I'm not entirely sure if I found the content of the book to be something particularly interesting or relevant in that specific way.

However, it still gives me so much pleasure to read such old school language skills and erudition.

The charm of the traditional way of writing and expressing ideas is truly captivating.

It takes me back to a time when language was used with more precision and elegance.

Even though the subject matter might not have been directly related to my current interests, the way it was presented made it a worthwhile read.

I appreciate the effort that went into creating such a work and the knowledge that it imparts.

It makes me realize the importance of preserving and studying the classics of language and literature.

Overall, it was a rewarding experience that I'm glad I had.
July 15,2025
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Fairly interesting indeed. In certain aspects, this truly responds to Winckelmann's assertions that he put forward in his essay on Greek art. The content is quite similar, as it engages in a lengthy and in-depth discussion of ancient Greek art. It delves into the various elements, characteristics, and significance of Greek art, exploring its beauty, proportion, and the ideals it represents. However, what sets this apart is its somewhat more polemical style. It may present arguments and viewpoints that are more controversial or challenging, perhaps sparking debate and further exploration of the topic. This polemical approach adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the discussion, making it not only a study of ancient Greek art but also a platform for intellectual discourse and the exchange of ideas.

July 15,2025
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I completely forgot to attend to my Ancient Greek lessons. It's really important that I do that before my upcoming visit to the continent.

But wait, what's this? I'm broke! Oh well, that's quite a predicament.

I guess I'll have to figure out a way to manage. Maybe I can look for some free resources online to brush up on my Ancient Greek.

Or perhaps I can ask a friend who is knowledgeable in the subject for some quick tips and tricks.

Despite being broke, I'm determined not to let this setback stop me from preparing for my trip.

After all, learning about Ancient Greek will enhance my experience and understanding of the continent's rich history and culture.

So, I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.
July 15,2025
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Lessing, when expounding his aesthetic views on poetry and plastic arts, is not as lacking in historical perspective as Herder criticized. In the first chapter, he mentioned that different educational standards among civilizations may lead to differences in artistic expression, and he also noticed the restrictions imposed by certain ancient laws on artistic creation. However, it is undeniable that he indeed did not conduct a more in-depth exploration of how these historical cultures influenced the development of the artistic field. The main argument still focuses on the differences between poetry and painting.

Although this is an aesthetic work, when reading it, we must also consider Lessing's identity as a leader of the German Enlightenment and the delicate relationship between Germany and France after the Thirty Years' War. Therefore, this book is by no means just to criticize the application of the "serenity" of plastic arts to poetry and literature. It is even more to oppose Germany's acceptance of French neoclassical ideas. French neoclassicism inherits the pretentious and flashy Roman tradition. Therefore, Lessing推崇 the Greek classical literature and art that mostly takes heroic images as the theme, thereby paving the way for Germany's own national literature. At the same time, he also hopes to shape a heroic ideal for the emerging German bourgeois society.
July 15,2025
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Rip Lessing. You would have loved "Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood". The story is filled with complex characters, a captivating plot, and themes of sacrifice and redemption. It explores the consequences of playing with forces beyond our understanding and the importance of family and friendship. The animation is top-notch, with beautiful visuals and smooth action sequences. And let's not forget about Actor Park Jihoon. His talent and charm on screen are undeniable. He has the ability to bring characters to life and make us feel their emotions. Whether it's through his acting or his music, he has a way of captivating his audience. You would have been a fan of both "Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood" and Park Jihoon.

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