Film deals with these questions in quite a similar way when compared to literature; the main difference is that instead of reading, the audience gets a visual. Those who read books know clearly that the concepts of good and evil are represented in a similar fashion on the big screen, however, the downfall to film is the lack of content. Most importantly the creativity aspect of literature is diminished greatly as films have visuals of the environment, settings, and characters. Therefore giving the audience more of a perspective of how the writer/director intended the story to be portrayed.
For an example in the Harry Potter books the readers have more of an imagination involved in creating the looks of characters, settings, and environments. This option of imagination is deprived when a movie version is made; however, the movie tends to give more of an idea of how the director/writers wanted the story to be portrayed. This is because there are visuals for the viewer to better understand the concepts of good and evil, but it does lack the content of detailed descriptions as the books usually contain.
In movies the concepts of good and evil are mostly portrayed as universal because the questions of good and evil are consistent between those who view the film. Even though the opinions of viewers cannot be changed by movie writers, they still try to avoid subjective content within the movie. As in books the good characters are those who usually try to save the day, although not all actions are done with a pure heart. For an example in some movies the good character saves the day, however, causes significant harm to society in the process. Although the intent may be to just save the person, the action taken may have not been the best option.
Overall, film deals with these questions in almost the same way as literature does, like I mentioned before the main difference is the aspect of visuals vs. imaginations.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Good vs. Evil: How does literature deal with these questions?
Good vs. Evil is a very common theme in literature and there are many different types of story plots and almost all of the time there is the existence of “good” and “evil.” The conflicts of good and evil are usually considered a universal aspect to human nature and are also one of the most common themes in literature. Although in real life the concepts of good and evil are universal, the same cannot be said in literature as the concept becomes mainly subjective.
Not all readers have the same opinion on which characters are good and evil, there is still somewhat of a universal belief in what is good and evil. This universal belief comes from moral values and guidelines that were learnt from childhood. Basically, good and evil is shown through the characters; however, it is shown in more depth based on certain events that show the nature of the character. Usually in literature the subjects of good and evil are more detailed and the readers usually have their own ways of depicting these concepts based on their beliefs of good and evil. These concepts are usually displayed in literature by describing the actions of characters and the events that occur after those actions.
Overall literature deals with the questions of good and evil in a variety of ways, and each reader usually has a different perception of these concepts.
Not all readers have the same opinion on which characters are good and evil, there is still somewhat of a universal belief in what is good and evil. This universal belief comes from moral values and guidelines that were learnt from childhood. Basically, good and evil is shown through the characters; however, it is shown in more depth based on certain events that show the nature of the character. Usually in literature the subjects of good and evil are more detailed and the readers usually have their own ways of depicting these concepts based on their beliefs of good and evil. These concepts are usually displayed in literature by describing the actions of characters and the events that occur after those actions.
Overall literature deals with the questions of good and evil in a variety of ways, and each reader usually has a different perception of these concepts.
Good vs. Evil: How do various religions/philosophies deal with these questions?
“Good” and “evil” are considered very vague; however, religion and philosophy are very influential towards people’s beliefs on what is “good” and “evil.” The concepts of good and evil are different to everyone and there are numerous definitions for them.
Many people know what is considered good and evil based on moral values, religion and society. Although there are many different types of religions, the concepts of good and evil remain constant throughout many of them, however, it does vary upon how people look at certain aspects of these questions. When people look at religions the concepts are defined based on holy text such as the 10 commandments, although religions may have different names for these books, the message remains constant. The main difference between these holy texts’ are the wording, in most text good people go to heaven and bad people go to hell. Religion is used as a guideline in most places to differentiate between good and evil.
Philosophy is opinions with an extent of evidence to prove the points, and is quite effective in showing the differences between the concepts of good and evil. The basic messages and ideas from philosophies are universal and often relate to religion in certain ways. The theories of philosophy are used to deal with these questions as they still are looked upon in certain situations to differentiate between good and evil.
In the end major religions and philosophies deal with questions of good and evil in the same way.
Many people know what is considered good and evil based on moral values, religion and society. Although there are many different types of religions, the concepts of good and evil remain constant throughout many of them, however, it does vary upon how people look at certain aspects of these questions. When people look at religions the concepts are defined based on holy text such as the 10 commandments, although religions may have different names for these books, the message remains constant. The main difference between these holy texts’ are the wording, in most text good people go to heaven and bad people go to hell. Religion is used as a guideline in most places to differentiate between good and evil.
Philosophy is opinions with an extent of evidence to prove the points, and is quite effective in showing the differences between the concepts of good and evil. The basic messages and ideas from philosophies are universal and often relate to religion in certain ways. The theories of philosophy are used to deal with these questions as they still are looked upon in certain situations to differentiate between good and evil.
In the end major religions and philosophies deal with questions of good and evil in the same way.
Good vs. Evil:Can evil characters engender sympathy?
Yes evil characters can endanger sympathy because many acts done by evil characters aren’t always in the intentions of hurting people, however, they do engender sympathy. As seen in many books that the average audience reads because a character that may seem like a good person may end up evil, as a result of certain circumstances. In situations such as these the evil character also endangers sympathy.
For example throughout the Harry Potter series Professor Snape seems like he’s on Lord Voldemort’s side throughout the entire series until the seventh and final book. Professor Snape was once a part of Lord Voldemort’s squad of villains, however, his love for Harry’s mother (Lily Evans) has him supporting and saving Harry throughout the course of the books. Whereas to readers Snape is seen as an evil character who is trying to cause harm to Harry Potter, but turns out that he was and is helping Harry in his quest against Voldemort. This was only revealed after his death and engenders quite a significant amount of sympathy toward Snape. Although this example may be opposite to what I had mentioned above it still shows how a character that is evil can engender sympathy because their actions were an illusion to the true evil and all that he had done was with good intentions.
Another example in the same series is in the 4th book: Goblet of Fire where Professor Mad-Eye-Moodie is looked onto as a “good” character throughout the novel. However, all his intents were on hurting Harry and giving Voldemort a chance at revenge. This is revealed close to the end of the book where Mad-Eye-Moodie was a fake and wasn’t the real deal, in fact he was a death eater (Lord Voldemort’s squad of villains). This engenders sympathy toward the professor because of his foolishness to disguise as someone who was truly a “good” person.
For example throughout the Harry Potter series Professor Snape seems like he’s on Lord Voldemort’s side throughout the entire series until the seventh and final book. Professor Snape was once a part of Lord Voldemort’s squad of villains, however, his love for Harry’s mother (Lily Evans) has him supporting and saving Harry throughout the course of the books. Whereas to readers Snape is seen as an evil character who is trying to cause harm to Harry Potter, but turns out that he was and is helping Harry in his quest against Voldemort. This was only revealed after his death and engenders quite a significant amount of sympathy toward Snape. Although this example may be opposite to what I had mentioned above it still shows how a character that is evil can engender sympathy because their actions were an illusion to the true evil and all that he had done was with good intentions.
Another example in the same series is in the 4th book: Goblet of Fire where Professor Mad-Eye-Moodie is looked onto as a “good” character throughout the novel. However, all his intents were on hurting Harry and giving Voldemort a chance at revenge. This is revealed close to the end of the book where Mad-Eye-Moodie was a fake and wasn’t the real deal, in fact he was a death eater (Lord Voldemort’s squad of villains). This engenders sympathy toward the professor because of his foolishness to disguise as someone who was truly a “good” person.
Good vs. Evil: Can good characters engender Judgment?
A good character can engender judgment because their actions may be acts of evil that may have not been intentional, however, provoked by an external force. Not only that good characters can also engender judgment by disguises throughout the novel showing them as a “good” character, when they are truly “evil.” No one is completely immune to the bad seed that everyone has within them and in novels it is a matter of time before it is revealed through certain actions.
For example in the movie the Game Plan, starring “The Rock” shows how good characters can engender judgment. In the movie Joe Kingman is a star football player who believes in only himself, and wants to prove to the world that he is number 1. However, certain circumstances result in him having to take care of Peyton his daughter. As a result he finds out how much of a headache it is to take care of children, in the beginning he is seen as a bad father as he leaves his daughter in a night club alone. This would draw judgment from viewers that he isn’t a responsible father If you fast-forward towards the end of the movie you realize that Kingman finally learns how to take care of a child; however, at that point she is taken away from him and as the final game of the playoff approaches Joe’s Game Plan is shattered. Realizing her mistake his daughter rushes to the game after a half had already passed to find her father injured, however, she motivates him to get back in the game and they end up winning. This movie is an excellent example how good characters engender judgment; the actions of Joe Kingman early in the movie had showed him as irresponsible and selfish athlete, however, towards the end of the movie he is seen as an excellent father and athlete.
As I had mentioned earlier no one is completely immune to the bad seed within themselves, however, the little good deeds that are done along the path make a huge difference. It is this bad seed within characters that causes the audience to engender judgment.
For example in the movie the Game Plan, starring “The Rock” shows how good characters can engender judgment. In the movie Joe Kingman is a star football player who believes in only himself, and wants to prove to the world that he is number 1. However, certain circumstances result in him having to take care of Peyton his daughter. As a result he finds out how much of a headache it is to take care of children, in the beginning he is seen as a bad father as he leaves his daughter in a night club alone. This would draw judgment from viewers that he isn’t a responsible father If you fast-forward towards the end of the movie you realize that Kingman finally learns how to take care of a child; however, at that point she is taken away from him and as the final game of the playoff approaches Joe’s Game Plan is shattered. Realizing her mistake his daughter rushes to the game after a half had already passed to find her father injured, however, she motivates him to get back in the game and they end up winning. This movie is an excellent example how good characters engender judgment; the actions of Joe Kingman early in the movie had showed him as irresponsible and selfish athlete, however, towards the end of the movie he is seen as an excellent father and athlete.
As I had mentioned earlier no one is completely immune to the bad seed within themselves, however, the little good deeds that are done along the path make a huge difference. It is this bad seed within characters that causes the audience to engender judgment.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Good vs. Evil: Are there clearly defined roles?
According to me, I feel there are no clearly defined roles for “good” and “evil” characters because there are always twists to stories a person who may seem as a good person may after all be evil towards the climax. Although in fairy tales it is quite easy to find the difference between the protagonist and the antagonist, however, the same cannot be said of most stories. For an example if in a story a character creates trouble, however in the end he may have done everything as a plot to hurt the protagonist.
In most cases the “good” character is usually the one who is caring, loving, kind-hearted, persistent, etc. The protagonist often represents the good and has to go through several hardships throughout the story, but in the end they’re the ones who usually prevail over the antagonist. The protagonist is usually liked by most of the characters throughout the story and is constantly looked as a savior for the rest of society. Whereas the antagonist is portrayed as cunning, evil, scary, etc, the readers usually expect the antagonist to be overcome by the protagonist near the end of the novel. Throughout the early parts of a novel the antagonist seems to have the upper hand and is usually represented as a horrible person because of their deeds. However, as I mentioned before these situations between “good” and “evil” occur usually in fairy tales and in some stories they are hidden from the audience until the climax.
As the stories of the books vary, authors tend to twist stories in order to make the protagonist seem evil and the antagonist good. The judgement of these characters usually comes down to the reader’s perspective. Just because a person does some evil deeds it doesn’t necessarily make them evil and the same can’t be said about people who take part in good deeds. This is because everyone has a little bit of good or evil within them and no character can truly be judged as evil or good. A character that may seem good to you may not be looked at in the same way by a classmate. Therefore a character can’t necessarily be judged as evil or good based on their actions and there is no real way of deciding the roles of good or evil character.
In most cases the “good” character is usually the one who is caring, loving, kind-hearted, persistent, etc. The protagonist often represents the good and has to go through several hardships throughout the story, but in the end they’re the ones who usually prevail over the antagonist. The protagonist is usually liked by most of the characters throughout the story and is constantly looked as a savior for the rest of society. Whereas the antagonist is portrayed as cunning, evil, scary, etc, the readers usually expect the antagonist to be overcome by the protagonist near the end of the novel. Throughout the early parts of a novel the antagonist seems to have the upper hand and is usually represented as a horrible person because of their deeds. However, as I mentioned before these situations between “good” and “evil” occur usually in fairy tales and in some stories they are hidden from the audience until the climax.
As the stories of the books vary, authors tend to twist stories in order to make the protagonist seem evil and the antagonist good. The judgement of these characters usually comes down to the reader’s perspective. Just because a person does some evil deeds it doesn’t necessarily make them evil and the same can’t be said about people who take part in good deeds. This is because everyone has a little bit of good or evil within them and no character can truly be judged as evil or good. A character that may seem good to you may not be looked at in the same way by a classmate. Therefore a character can’t necessarily be judged as evil or good based on their actions and there is no real way of deciding the roles of good or evil character.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
What is the nature of evil?
The nature of evil consists of a strictly subjective truth as previously mentioned, although there is no “true” definition for evil, it is believed to be anything that is immoral, selfish or cruel. Many people judge evil solely based on consequences of evil actions and this judgment is inappropriate. Evil is the opposite of good and most people are aware of what good is, however, this all comes down to the moral values and depends on the person themselves.
Although evil is widely considered a subjective truth, there are many universal truths behind evil and they consist of the common beliefs on the constitutes of evil. There are many universal evils that consist of murder, theft, deceit, etc and every nation considers this as inappropriate. Many of the world’s evil were done by those who convinced themselves and the public around them that they were doing the right things; from the Nazi mass murderers, to the men who flew the planes into the World Trade Centre. “Any beliefs that come from the core of people can lead to destructive or constructive consequences depending on how whole and clear, or how broken and twisted, are the souls or psyches of those who hold them.” The war on terror and Hitler’s massacre of the Jews relate to the fact of using terror to induce the public toward their beliefs and actions. As an evil person they had taken advantage of terror and used it for their personal desires. For an example Hitler had every intention of killing the Jews, yet Nazi Germany followed his command and agreed with him on almost all his actions. The idea of evil is often used in a destructive and distorted way; however, evil tends to take a variety of forms and what is evil in one area will not necessarily be considered the same in another area.
“The lie of false righteousness is a lie to oneself… Our greatest evil flows from ourselves." Those who take part in evil are fully aware of their actions and continue to wreak havoc on this world. Anyone who enjoys watching or taking part in the suffering of others is considered evil.
Although evil is widely considered a subjective truth, there are many universal truths behind evil and they consist of the common beliefs on the constitutes of evil. There are many universal evils that consist of murder, theft, deceit, etc and every nation considers this as inappropriate. Many of the world’s evil were done by those who convinced themselves and the public around them that they were doing the right things; from the Nazi mass murderers, to the men who flew the planes into the World Trade Centre. “Any beliefs that come from the core of people can lead to destructive or constructive consequences depending on how whole and clear, or how broken and twisted, are the souls or psyches of those who hold them.” The war on terror and Hitler’s massacre of the Jews relate to the fact of using terror to induce the public toward their beliefs and actions. As an evil person they had taken advantage of terror and used it for their personal desires. For an example Hitler had every intention of killing the Jews, yet Nazi Germany followed his command and agreed with him on almost all his actions. The idea of evil is often used in a destructive and distorted way; however, evil tends to take a variety of forms and what is evil in one area will not necessarily be considered the same in another area.
“The lie of false righteousness is a lie to oneself… Our greatest evil flows from ourselves." Those who take part in evil are fully aware of their actions and continue to wreak havoc on this world. Anyone who enjoys watching or taking part in the suffering of others is considered evil.
What is the nature of good?
Many people have often said that good is “anything that helps others or yourself.” However to clarify things Good must be given from the bottom of the heart and only things that are given with good intentions should be considered good. Good is nothing more than a “pleasant feeling we give ourselves as a gift for fulfilling our personal preferences.” How many of us feel great when we act morally and help a person in need? Almost all of us get a sense of excitement and content about the fact that we had helped someone who needed help. Most people would agree that the nature of good is to act morally and selflessly by not doing good in order to get something in return.
The nature of good comes from within the heart and should be given out of the free will of people. For an example if you see a notice that a kid in the neighborhood had been kidnapped, people should not go help to look for the kid based on the reward after, but they should help the family without expecting something in return. The chances of getting a reward aren’t that great, but the family should be helped anyways for the vain that they will be going through without their child. A person of moral values who always puts other people before themselves in serious situations, would be defined as a good person. This goodwill should always come out of the free will of their hearts and when people do this they get a sense of accomplishment and happiness that they have done something “good.”
However this belief in the nature of good is subjective based on religion and the environment that people have grew up in. Many have different views on what is good and although there is a universal truth to good that everyone understands; that is living life to the fullest and following a set of moral values that benefit themselves and society. Most importantly bad intentions behind a good action certainly does have an impact on the nature of good; this automatically counteracts the good and makes it evil. On the other hand many believe something is good if it is mentioned in their religion, but I belief the nature of good is to act morally and selflessly by not expecting something in return.
The nature of good comes from within the heart and should be given out of the free will of people. For an example if you see a notice that a kid in the neighborhood had been kidnapped, people should not go help to look for the kid based on the reward after, but they should help the family without expecting something in return. The chances of getting a reward aren’t that great, but the family should be helped anyways for the vain that they will be going through without their child. A person of moral values who always puts other people before themselves in serious situations, would be defined as a good person. This goodwill should always come out of the free will of their hearts and when people do this they get a sense of accomplishment and happiness that they have done something “good.”
However this belief in the nature of good is subjective based on religion and the environment that people have grew up in. Many have different views on what is good and although there is a universal truth to good that everyone understands; that is living life to the fullest and following a set of moral values that benefit themselves and society. Most importantly bad intentions behind a good action certainly does have an impact on the nature of good; this automatically counteracts the good and makes it evil. On the other hand many believe something is good if it is mentioned in their religion, but I belief the nature of good is to act morally and selflessly by not expecting something in return.
Is it subjective or a universal truth about what constitutes “good” and “evil”?
The topic of “good” and “evil” is quite a controversial topic nowadays as people tend to complicate the issue about it being a subjective truth and others argue it’s a universal truth. However, they do take different forms nowadays, but it’s still seen as more of a subjective truth than a universal truth. The concepts of good and evil can be affected by the situation in the country, whether it is a war or political instability. In a country like Mumbai prostitution is legal, however here in Canada it is illegal, it all comes down to the society and the subjective truth of the matter of good and evil.
Whether the area comes down to a country or a city the beliefs of good and evil tend to differ greatly as you move around the world. Even as an individual my thoughts on good and evil may be different from my teacher Ms. C, as the number of people are narrowed the truth about good and evil being a subjective truth tends to shine over it being a universal truth. One of the hottest topics of controversy today is teenage abortion. Many people see this as evil because no one has the right to take a life from this world and by doing abortion the teenagers are committing first degree murder. This is evil towards some people, however others argue there is no point bringing a new life into the world where the teenager is not stable. By brining the new life into the world you’re basically killing the child slowly and more painfully through issues such as hunger, inappropriate care, etc. Even on an issue like this your own family member might not take the same side as you as to, what is evil and good in this situation. Therefore clarifying my point on how subjective truth is used more often to express the constitutes of good and evil.
Although much of the constitutes of good and evil are considered subjective, several universal truths do exist. The main universal truth is the issue about Heaven and Hell, no matter whom or how you look at it everyone in sees heaven as a good place and hell as a bad place. There will be no one in this world talking about Heaven mentioning how it is a mystical place where good people will go after death. “Hell is a place of suffering and punishment in the afterlife, often in the underworld. Religions with a linear divine history often depict Hell as endless.” However, when it comes to Heaven many people consider it as place of angels where the dead go to meet up with God.“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
The acceptance to whether “good” and “evil” are subjective or universal seems to change depending on the religion and environment of the person. However, “good” and “evil” is widely known as a subjective truth.
Whether the area comes down to a country or a city the beliefs of good and evil tend to differ greatly as you move around the world. Even as an individual my thoughts on good and evil may be different from my teacher Ms. C, as the number of people are narrowed the truth about good and evil being a subjective truth tends to shine over it being a universal truth. One of the hottest topics of controversy today is teenage abortion. Many people see this as evil because no one has the right to take a life from this world and by doing abortion the teenagers are committing first degree murder. This is evil towards some people, however others argue there is no point bringing a new life into the world where the teenager is not stable. By brining the new life into the world you’re basically killing the child slowly and more painfully through issues such as hunger, inappropriate care, etc. Even on an issue like this your own family member might not take the same side as you as to, what is evil and good in this situation. Therefore clarifying my point on how subjective truth is used more often to express the constitutes of good and evil.
Although much of the constitutes of good and evil are considered subjective, several universal truths do exist. The main universal truth is the issue about Heaven and Hell, no matter whom or how you look at it everyone in sees heaven as a good place and hell as a bad place. There will be no one in this world talking about Heaven mentioning how it is a mystical place where good people will go after death. “Hell is a place of suffering and punishment in the afterlife, often in the underworld. Religions with a linear divine history often depict Hell as endless.” However, when it comes to Heaven many people consider it as place of angels where the dead go to meet up with God.“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
The acceptance to whether “good” and “evil” are subjective or universal seems to change depending on the religion and environment of the person. However, “good” and “evil” is widely known as a subjective truth.
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