Structuralism & Semiotics: The Journals

Chapters 3-8

pg. 28: Vitor's mother' parting words are part of structuralism

pg. 30: Victor;s need for Elizabeth's hand in marriage in the letter is S.S.

pg. 30: The passing of text obvious use of S.S.

pg. 31: The mention of reading things is another example.

pg. 31: Listing the books is another example

pg. 32: THe professors lecture is an example while at Ingolstaldt

pg. 34: Victor's need for books is another sign

pg. 35: Him attending th lectures + reading extensively contribute to the the significance.

pg. 37: Mentioning that he is recounting his talks through text is significant to S.S.

pg. 40: The exchange of letter with his father contribute to the idea

pg. 43: Prophetic visions or actions are S.S.

pg. 43: The monster waking victor up, is one of the key moments of S.S. in the novel

pg. 44: The poem within this series of letters, is another landmark moment

pg. 47: More letters, signifying important events.

pg. 48: Letter, are symbols for life changing events

pg. 53: Clerval has literary pursuits, more S.S.

pg. 54: Clerval mentioning poetic texts from his studies serves as a source of foreshadow

pg. 55: Letter from Victor's dad announcing his brother's death.

pg. 65: The trial of Justine also serves as a major life event in the novel.

pg. 67: Justine's account is another S.S. example. Its lengthy, and changes the events in the story.

Structuralism & Semiotics: An Application

Structuralism & Semiotics
A Swiss Linguist named Ferdinand de Saussure laid down relatively simple, new ideas the to world of linguistics in the twentieth century. Considered the ‘father’ of twentieth century linguistics, Saussure, changed the literary world in a big way. Developing “Structural Linguistics” late in his career, his most impacting work went unrecognized until after his death. His theory, is only technical. It was still in the testing stage by the time he died, and it still is today. Today, while Saussure’s late work is appreciated, a lot of it remains debatable. In the wake of studying something general, Saussure managed to create two trains of thought, structuralism and semiotics. Despite the fact, that the “literary man” wants to keep this theory down, many school of thought through Europe and even more prominently in Japan, use his basis of linguistics to further their knowledge on structuralism. Structuralism is a method of critical investigation which also doubles as an ideology. Semiotics is a later developed branch of what structuralism is, but now the subject itself, encompasses structuralism. Signification(structuralism) is an occurrence, a meaningful event, or an important action taking place in the text. Most of these events have an exchange of some sort of text within the text( conundrum!) Semiotics is investigating the nature of signs and the laws driving them. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, the literary criticism of structuralism and semiotics can be applied. Throughout the novel, there are events that signify the use of structuralism and semiotics. According to the structuralism and semiotics in Frankenstein, the “signifiers” are the reason this novel is a tragedy.
Throughout the novel Frankenstein, we see the exchanging of texts everywhere. Even the structure of the story is an exchanging of text; the work is a series of letters. This exchanging of letters is a very important structural characteristic. Without events like the exchanging of letter, reading a book, or listening to a lecture, structuralism would not exist within this story. Quite lucky for us, it does. As a whole, outside of its letter form nature, Frankenstein, is filled with many “textual” events. Victor Frankenstein, is constantly sending and receiving letters. These letters always play a role in landmark events in the novel. For example, the letter he received from his father to announce, that his brother William had been murdered, changed the course of his life. Although arguably it is the monsters fault that he ends up going to such lengths of revenge, there is no doubt that without the letter, Victor could never have gone to his family and realize what his creation had done. Interestingly enough, the story is set up to be a series of letters from Robert Walton to his sister, the accounts of Victor’s life affected Walton, and in return, he hopes to change his sister’s. Another important signifier in this novel, were books. Victor’s life was all about studying and pursuing knowledge. When it came to books, there were mentions of them left and right. Books are what got him into natural science. Therefore making it another life changing event. Without the books in the novel, there would be no creature. The essence of this novel, tragedy and death all correlate to the very foundation of it, texts.
The texts in the novel Frankenstein, can be said to create a pattern of sorts. Structuralism, is also the patterns that symbols in signs in novels create. The use of texts in this novel create a pattern; each text enlightening its receiver These signifiers are key to carry on the tragic course of Frankenstein. The signifiers are the movers and shakers in the novel. The pattern in the novel is relatively simple; the passing of a text and then a life changing event occurs. A perfect example is when Victor sends word to Elizabeth to go into hiding, the monster ends up killing her. Rather than being a solution, the text in the novel presents a problem. Thus contributing to the tragic vision of the work. Each of these events negatively affects Victor, and end up leading to his destruction. From the very exposition of the novel, the reader is shown the power of texts. These symbol, themes, and signs are the basis for any novel. Not just Frankenstein.
Structuralism and semiotics play a major role in any novel. The use of symbols and sign are used to convey theme in any work found. In the case of Frankenstein, the reader sees that all the signifier items in the novel help present and put forth the idea of its tragic nature. Semiotics, is the reason Frankenstein, can be viewed as tragic. Works Cited
William Philips, John . "Structuralism and Semiotics." Introduction to Semiotics. 8 Dec. 2008. .


Chandler, Daniel . "Semiotics for Beginners: Intorduction." Aber UK. 3 Apr. 2005. 8 Dec. 2008. .


"Structuralism, Semiotics, Narratology." E Books. 8 Dec. 2008. .

Structuralism & Semiotics: A Background

A Swiss Linguist named Ferdinand de Saussure laid down relatively simple, new ideas the to world of linguistics in the twentieth century. Considered the ‘father’ of twentieth century linguistics, Saussure, changed the literary world in a big way. Developing “Structural Linguistics” late in his career, his most impacting work went unrecognized until after his death. His theory, is only technical. It was still in the testing stage by the time he died, and it still is today. Today, while Saussure’s late work is appreciated, a lot of it remains debatable. Despite the fact, that the “literary man” wants to keep this theory down, many school of thought through Europe and even more prominently in Japan, use his basis of linguistics to further their knowledge on structuralism. In the wake of studying something general, Saussure managed to create two trains of thought, structuralism and semiotics. Structuralism is a method of critical investigation which also doubles as an ideology. Semiotics is a later developed branch of what structuralism is, but now the subject itself, encompasses structuralism.
Structuralism is the name given to wide range of studies involving the underlying configuration of “signification” in a text. It is also a method of analysis used in semiotics. Signification is an occurrence, a meaningful event, or an important action taking place in the text. Some generic examples of Structuralism would be having a conversation at dinner, a wedding, and battles. Most of these events have an exchange of some sort of text within the text(how clever!). The passing of “texts” take various forms as well, it can be a news broadcast, an advertisement, an instruction manual, everything is pretty much up for grabs with this. With all this in mind, there is a pattern of some sort created. Structuralism revolves around looking for the underlying structures(patterns) in a text. Most structures are unconscious and are not created with a purpose in mind. Because they are unconscious, structuralist items offer insight to our true nature. Structuralism highlights the elements within a system and how it affects all the other elements within that system(the work, i.e. novel, short story…). It also puts about the idea that there are no independent meanings, but instead, many meanings created by the different elements in a system.
A parallel discipline was developed later in the century, called Semiotics. Semiotics is investigating the nature of signs and the laws driving them. Semiotics, is broader range of study, but still closely relates to its sister theory. Semiotics has units of meaning. The smallest unit of meaning is the sign. Saussure designed this part of the theory to include two parts. The first being the signifier, an object, image, sound, or a gesture that has physical form. The second, is the signified, which is the concept which the sign represents. More modern semiotic theory I soften paired up with Marxist ideology. Semiotics became very popular in the 1960’s (coincidental right? Marxism. Europe….) as a result of Roland Barthes work. His translated writings(Mythologies) caused awareness of this theory and this stirred the linguistic community. Still not widely authorized as an academic discipline, semiology is a significant factor in the literary world.



Useful Links
http://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/elljwp/structuralism.htm

http://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/elljwp/structuralism.htm

http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem01.html

http://ebooks.unibuc.ro/lls/RaduSurdulescu-FormStructuality/Capitolul%20III.htm

Jane Eyere Journal

Entry #1:
9-17-08
pages 9-20

Well the novel begins in a bit of slump i suppose. Nothing truly dire is said on the first page, but the first characters are introduced. the story is told in the first person from Jane's perspective. As I trudge on, i actually find the book interesting. Jane seems to be a little precocious. No one really seems to like her. That actually seems to be an understatement, considering John Reed, her nasty little cousin. He pushes Jane down and crack her head open, which wins her a punishment for being wicked(uhhh what?!). Jane also manages to see a ghost while being locked up for her "maliciousness." Said ghost would belong to her deceased uncle who took her in after both her parents died. But the aunt seems to hold nothing but contempt for the poor girl.

Entry #2
9-26-08
pages 21-41

This part of the exposition sets up the next part of the book i suppose. We see the relationship between Jane and Bessie a little more. We also see the consequences of the red room thing. Jane is introduced to the idea of schooling. Which to her seems infinitesimally better than being at Gateshead. The man whom Jane talks to seems pompous and arrogant. he thinks Jane is wicked and basically believes her good for nothing aunt. Its funny i think, i wonder if everyone will believe what the aunt has said.

Entry #3
9-26-08
page 51
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."--
St. Matt. v. 16

This is the inscription on the Lowood academy door. I find interesting i suppose, because i feel in some sense it might reflect what is in store for Jane. The bible quote makes the place that much more serious. I also kinda realize that this is basically like a puritan-y kind of school. Super simple, god forbid(haha) you are anything but drab kind of thing. Like a nunnery, without the nuns. And what i love is the Jane notices this. Also that that Bronte decided to point it out, its the kind of thing i love when author point out things like that. It helps along the symbolism the meaning and i suppose a theme of sorts for the book.

Entry #4
9-26-08
page 60
"But i feel this Helen: I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me; I must resist those who punish me unjustly. It is as natural that I should love those who show me affection, or submit to punishment when I feel it is deserved."

Jane is conversing to Helen about her "bravery" with punishment earlier. This quote in particular points out Jane's need to feel passionate for stuff. Well maybe I'm reading too much into that. But i feel Jane deals in extremes. She either hates something(not, not like) or loves something. I think that comes from her Gateshead childhood. Jane doesn't have much else to fall on but her emotions and i think she thinks that she needs to feel strongly for something to prove the importance of it. Helen of course tells her otherwise, in a more mature reasonable way. Jane still doesn't see it that way. I don't think she'll ever realize it and that will be her downfall. The fact that she can't see the grey.

Entry # 5
9-26-08
page 72
"No; I know I should think well of myself; but that is not enough: if others don't love me, i would rather die than live-- I cannot bear to be solitary and hated, Helen. Look here; to gain some real affection from you or Miss Temple, or any other whom I truly love, I would willingly submit to have the bone of my arm broken, or to let a bull toss me, or to stand behind a kicking horse, and it dash its hoof at my chest,"--

Jane is looking for love. She obviously doesn't care for the price that it comes with. She'd rather suffer than ever be alone and loveless. She's a true romantic that's all i have to say. Masochism in its finest form. Does this mean that she has a distorted view of love? Or that we all have different views of love? A thing that i would like to point out, she said this when she was young. Like 10 years old, not even in her teens. It seems to me that her extreme personality will find her love induced misery.

Entry #6
9-26-08
page 79
"Semi-starvation and neglected colds had predisposed most of the pupils to receive infection: forty five out of the eighty girls lay ill at one time. Classes were broken up, rules relaxed."

Is it supposed to be ironic that something bad like an epidemic is good for Jane? Is that supposed to be like a trait of Gothic lit? Well anyway, lots of death all around her. From disease... A lot like her adolescence. Her family died of disease and whatnot(Bronte). So this might be a possible connection to her past. She knew what it was like to lose someone by disease, so this also reflects that pain. Oh and probably foreshadow, my money is on Helen.

Entry #7
9-27-08
page 84

I want to reflect on this whole page in general. Even though i kinda saw the Helen thing coming, i still can't believe it. I feel that Helen and Jane's friendship was something important to the book. The fact that she passes away doesn't devastate Jane but in fact it teaches her something in a way. Another thing I'd to point out, is what is up with Miss Temple in Helen? I think that Helen is her daughter. Didn't she mention it earlier in the novel that she never met her mother. And her father sent her away or something like that. Maybe Miss Temple was an unwed teenage mother and she had to give up Helen. Or something very t.v. show-y like that.

Entry #8
9-27-08
page 93

Bessie is back! Well only for a visit. This part of the novel takes place years on. When Jane is a teacher at Lowood instead of student. She grew close to Miss Temple and everything. Miss temple has left to get married to some respectable guy. But back to Bessie, she has a son. And she is happily married and still works at Gateshead. She also brings back unkind memories of Jane's cousins. Jane doesn't wish to know much more about them. Bessie also drops a bomb of sorts on Jane, family went to Gateshead to look for her. Bessie figures that they weren't that bad off or anything and that Mrs. Reed was just being an idiot.

Entry #9
9-27-08
page 100

Jane has finally left Lowood to seek employment as a governess. A Mrs. Fairfax has hired Jane to work for a Miss Varens. Mrs. Fairfax treats Jane nicely, and she finds it a little weird. She really doesn't treat her like she is an employment but rather a guest. There is a mention of keys on this page too. So this is the fear of confinement theme we're going to run into. Jane seems very satisfied with the way things have turned out thus far at this new house. She Still finds the situation a little strange; but she actually finds out Mrs. Fairfax isn't even the owner.

Entry #10
9-27-08
page 103

More on the who actually owns the estate. Bluntly, it's Mr. Rochester's digs. Jane Questions why exactly he is not there. The very blunt response back "he is a very travelled man." So basically hes is out and about the world all the time. For some reason or another. He stops in every so often. But he never stays more than 2 weeks at a time. When will Jane ever meet him?

Entry #11
9-27-08
pages 104 -105

Jane finally meets her pupil Adela. Which is actually Adele. Adele likes to speak french and Mrs. Fairfax doesn't speak French. And well that's basically code for little communication between them. I think its funny Mrs. Fairfax's incompetence disallows her from pronouncing the little girls name right. Not that i don't like the lady, i just think its funny that the girl has a french name and all. No wonder she never spoke English i would mess with the woman too. But Jane and the girl communicate in French, much to her pleasure. France has influenced this book. In a really obvious way. I think Adele possibly symbolizes something, I'm not sure what though.

Entry #12
9-28-08
page 106

Adele is like weirdly talented. Not in the smart way, she can sing. But she seems like off. I don't know how to explain it, i don't think she is spoiled. Rather she has intent behind everything she does. I don't want to say malicious but it just seems like she is up to something. I have a feeling about her. And I've already said this, but i honestly can't tell what. Maybe she comes of arrogant, but then again that doesn't seem right either.

Entry #13
9-28-08
page 111

Okay my qualm so far besides convoluted language, is the French. I took french 3 years and enjoyed it. But i don't think its just me... There are a whole bunch of grammar mistakes. Maybe i'm out practice(which honestly i doubt), but for example :
"J'ai bien faim moi!"
The translation i am hungry me. Is this on purpose? This is seriously bugging me. Even in a foreign language grammar will bug me.

Entry # 14
9-28-08
page 112
"Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a constraint,too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is narrow minded......"

The quote continues on for about half a page....Ha. but What i wanted to point out was the female role. Bronte asserts some pretty "wild" stuff there. For her time I'm going to make the assumption that all of that was pretty blasphemous. I think its interesting that she even brings that up. I mean isn't this about love. Maybe she is multitasking... She is tackling some social issues in the book as well.. Or maybe its just general Victorian sensuality.

Entry #15
9-28-08
page 118
"The incident had occurred and was gone for me: it was an incident of no moment, no romance, no interest, in a sense; yet it marked with change one single hour of a monotonous life."

I think is ironic too. it is a life changing moment. Only she doesn't see it as such yet. The quote follows the little meeting with a "mystery" man. He falls off a horse and Jane helps him after dawdling outside most of the day. He isn't rude. he just seems formal. To the point. except when he asked her for help is that important? Like a role reversal for man and woman.

Entry #16
9-28-08
page 119
"My help had been needed and claimed; I had given it: i was please to have done something; trivial, transitory though the deed was, it was yet an active thing, and i was weary of an existence all passive."

I decided to break up this quote, its part from the one in the previous entry. Jane likes to be needed. Even if it is stupid and nothing of consequence she lives for it. She also seems to like new things. She liked being at the house and whatnot, but now shes absolutely bored. The not mystery man serves as entertainment. Maybe falling in love is just a thrill for her, but a necessary one. i don't know these two pages are like screaming information or insight on Jane to me.

Entry #17
9-28-08
page 132

At this point, Jane knows who Mr. Rochester is. They have talked. And she finds him strange and moody. He seems super smart. Worldly is another good adjective for him. Downfall of it all is that hes like 80! Ha. Poor Jane. or maybe she is so mature that falling for him is the best thing for her. So far i don't really like him. I'd hate to talk to him. Oh, there is more bad french on this page. Ugh, seriously this needs to be fixed.

Entry # 18
9-28-08
page 133

Its not really a quote of interest, but more of a trend. Jane always, so far in the book(i think except for once) has done what she is told. So I'm thinking this trend means she is extremely submissive, or maybe she is supposed to personify Victorian women. This is something I'll bring up later. regardless, does she realize it? She is ready to please everyone, it is really sad, but i suppose it comes out of being ordinary. Bronte describes her as nothing special. Even Mr. Rochester. Is that important as well?

Entry #20
9-28-08
page 141

Mr. Rochester requests for Jane's company. And a little like before, only better, they have a conversation... Only he does more of the talking. So I'm going to make the assumption that he has a dominant personality. He judges her, which i think is weird. I thought speaking of your feelings to a woman was bad. Even worse if it was someone not of your status. So I'm going out on a limb here to say, that maybe he just doesn't care.

Entry #21
9-28-08
page 142

"... it is impossible to be conventional with you; then your looks and movements will have more vivacity and variety than they are offer now."

Why exactly is it impossible? i think he thinks she is amazing already. He is criticizing her again. i think thats just how he is. He is trying to spice up her life. And is it just me, or does that seem like a promise? Ha. Thats so teenage-y. Looking for cryptic messages in a guys words. But anyway, in sense he is calling her boring. She understands that though, she is boring. And she is kind of a thrill seeker(so to speak).

Entry #22
9-28-08
page 144

Mr. rochestor tells jane of his past. he fell in love with a girl, a french one. And she was a singer, really pretty, that whole schtick. Since he does love to travel, he left her alone for a while. But do keep in mind, that she was well kept. So one day he pops in for a visit earlier than expected and he waits for her in her room, he is sitting out in the balcony and he sees her carriage pull up. she steps put with a man and he realizes then that she is unfaithful. So he waits for the couple to confront him. He does, and she begs for forgiveness and all of that. But he refuses and leaves. He later finds out that she runs off with someone and abandons her daughter, which is allegedly his(Adele). And that is why he takes care of the little girl. Even though he is not sure if he is the father, he feels that he should take care of her, because she didn't deserve to be hurt by that woman.

Entry #23
9-28-08
pages 151- 154

Jane can't sleep this particular night. And weirdly enough she hears noises outside her room. So she decides to take a look. And lo and behold there is smoke emerging from Rochester's room. She takes a step in and realizes that his room is on fire. Someone has tried to kill him! We have a murder mystery on our hands now. But in all seriousness, jane splashes water on him to wake him up, because his rendered unconcious otherwise from the fumes. And he snaps to it. They put out the fire and he goes to investigate after a play by play from Jane.

Entry # 24
9-28-08
page 155
"I both wished and feared to see Mr. rochester on the day which followed this sleepless night: I wanted to hear his voice again, yet feared to meet his eye."

Whoa!Someone is in love, but doesn't even realize it. And i'm talking about both Jane and Rochester. I wonder if they only remain formal because they have to? And not so much out of need. Well anyway, they're in love now, and neither will probably realize it until it is too late. Sadly, but as revealed in class(Ms. Bosch) they end up together, its just a matter of time. So the drama in between the end and now remains a mystery. Question though, why exactle does Ms. Poole always drink? Why did she try to kill Edward?

Entry #25
9-28-08
page 168-183

I'm catching on the events that have passed. Mr. Rochester left shortly after the whole fire incident. Jane is left behind confused i guess. Edward was a big part of her life and things seem to be a little boring. Only he returns a while after with a whole bunch of people. Upper class snoots, one of which he seems to be courting. What exactly is his thought behind that? I'm thinking jerk! But i figure it has to do with her status. I think that matters to him now. It didn't seem like it before honestly.

I hope this is allowed.. I want to comment on the novel in general.

Entry #26
9-28-08
OKay so Mr. Rochester has obvious ulterior motives. But Jane getting contacted by her family is strange. the reeds are nothing but brutes to begin with. Everything that has happened to them is totally karma. Johns nasty self, ha. His death is nothing of consequence. I really believe that the wicked pay and this was his way of paying for it all. the fact that the sisters are sort of reformed is interesting. Not reformed but changed. Vanity is a sin and all. Nobody got what they wanted in that house in the end.

Entry # 27
9-28-08

Jane and Rochester are meant to be! Ha. I like that things are turning out the way they do. She loevs him, he loves her. They are getting married. yeah well inoppertunely happiness does not last that long. Ugh. He's married. really? Nice twist though not going to deny that. I'm just a little let down to say the least. Well thanks to some spoilers i know there is an ending to await.

Biblical Allusions

The Creation- This tale explains how the earth and heavens were created. It is told from the hebrew narrative genesis. Creation happened over the span of a week. Within that week 8 divine commands were executed over 6 days. The 7th day was a day for rest. On the first day god creates light. On the second a firmament, a division between relams. On the third day he creates the earth and sea to divided parts of the newly created world. Also that day he issued the fourth divine command; for the earth to grow grass and trees from which fruit will grow. On the fourth day god creates a light firmament, dividing day and night, and creating seasons; two lights are also created the sun and the moon. On the 5th day god commands that the earth teems with creatures, he creates birds and sea creatures. God commands the creatures to be fruitful and procreate. On the sixth day god asks the land to bring forth living creatures, thus creating the existence of livestock and reptiles. He also creates man and woman in his image. Much like the creatures before god asks all the new creation to be fruitful and multiply... On the seventh and final day of the creation god rests and blesses the earth.

The mark of Cain- This particular subject refers to the first born son of Adam and Eve. God put a curse upon him to warn others that if you killed him it would wreak the vengeance of god. The passage describes two brothers, Cain and Abel. Cain the brother who "tilled the ground" and Abel the brother who "kept the sheep" both eventually made sacrifices to god. Cain kills Abel and god confronts him and thus making killing a sin or at least an unfavorable sort of task in life.

Lot and his wife- Lot was the son of Haran, Abrahams brother. Abranham leads a revolt against those who are trying to overthrow the king. In the midst of it all god gets angry and decides to punish the five cities of the plain. God sent angels to save Lot and his family from the destruction. The men of sodom want to rape the angels, but Lot offers his daughter instead who claims are virgins. The men of course refuse. God tells the angels to move his family to safety. The angels forcibly remove the family urging to get to safety and to never look back. As they are escaping Lots wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt.

Sodom and Gomorrah- Sodom and Gomorrah are two cities who destroyed by god in the bible. For the sins of their inhabitants Sodom, Gamorrah,Zoar ,Admah, and Zeboin were all destroyed. Sodom and Gomorrah are really big metaphors for sinfulness and sexual perversions. These two cities are part of the Pentopolis.

The Nativity- The nativity is arguably one of the most recognized bible stories. It tells about the birth of Jesus in Nazareth. This story plays a major role in the vast majority of Christian religions. In the Gospel Of Luke, the angel Gabriel tells Mary she is going to have a child. And she has to name it Jesus.She asks the angel how this is possible if she is virgin, and gabriel replies to her telling her the holy spirit will visit her and that with god, nothing is impossible. When it is time for the child to be born, Mary and her husband travel little ways from home. Realizing it is time to finally have the baby they must stop in Manger where finally Jesus is born.

Lazarus- Lazarus was a follower of Jesus who is said to have been resurrected by Jesus himself. Lazarus was ill. And his sisters also being follower of Jesus sent word to him to see if anything could be done. Jesus got the message and traveled to them only to find out Lazarus had been in his tomb for four days. Lazarus' sister Martha approached Jesus, but he reassured her saying that he would rise. Jesus proclaimed that he was the resurrection and that whoever believed in him had life and that in reality there really was no death. Jesus had the rock blocking Lazarus' tomb moved, and out walked Lazarus.

The Crucifixion- The crucifixion marks the end of Jesus' life on earth. This takes place after his trial and arrest as his sentence for all of his blasphemy. This event is critical to all of the religion because it justifies the death of anointed ones as a necessary and proper cause to save us from ourselves. Jesus was resurrected 3 days later and appeared to his disciples in a 40 period before going to heaven.

the denial- I looked this up and i got a whole mess of things and i wasnt quite sure what to post.

Thirty pieces of silver- This refers to Judas Iscariot. He was one of the original 12 apostles. he was in charge of the money bag but is more known for his betrayal of Jesus. He sold out Jesus for thirty pieces of silver to Pontius Pilates soldiers.

David and Goliath- This is the tail of the future king of israel and a philistine warrior. David is young and overhears the Philistine champion, the giant Goliath challenging to fight the Israelites champion. David insists that he can defeat Goliath despite the odds. David beats Goliath using his sling shot. And thus the Philistines flee and leave the Israelites alone.

Buddha/Buddhism- Based around the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who lived around 5 b.c. in ancient India. All teachings recognize Buddha as an enlightened teacher who's purpose is to held people end their suffering according to the laws of karma. To achieve this state of enlightenment and stop the endless life cyles you have to see the world for what it really is. A transition between another.


Golgotha- Also known as the Calvary, it refers to the site where Jesus’ crucifixion took place. Located outside of ancient Jerusalem’s city walls. The site is often referred to with the skull of Adam. Although its name and significance have lost meaning through time.

The Prodigal Son- Also known as the Lost Son, its one of the most famous parables about Jesus. It is usually read on the third Sunday of lent. The story is about Jesus telling a story of a man who has two sons. The youngest son demands that his father give him his inheritance money he goes off to a far country to spend it all. In consequence he must take a job as a pig herder. Humbled by his lowly job, he comes to his senses and goes back to his father to beg for his forgiveness. Basically welcomed back with open arms things go back to normal all with the exception of the older brothers anger. The father calms him by saying “Son thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad : for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again, and was lost, and is found.”

Revelations- This is a book in the bible, which solely deals in apocalyptic events. The book basically describes what would be the end of the world… The events that are foreseen are : The Great Tribulation, the Campaign of Armageddon, the Second coming of the Messiah and his 1000 year reign, the imprisonment of Satan, a final rebellion by Satan, God’s final judgment over Satan, the great white throne judgment, and the creation of the new heavens and new earth.

Jonah and The Whale- This story deals with Jonah a sort of messenger from god. God sends Jonah to see Ninevah. Ninevah is Israel’s enemy, so Jonah decides not to go. Jonah tries to escape god by traveling by ship but (ironically) there was a storm. Jonah knew that god had cause the storm so he asked the sailors to throw him overboard to end it all. But he did not drown because God sent a whale to save him and take him to shore. Jonah prayed to god again and took up his mission. He goes to Nineveh and tells the people that they must confess their sins to god or else he would destroy the nation. The people of Ninevah agree and are saved from gods wrath.

Samson and Delilah- the most famous love story in the bible. Al though not in love with Delilah at first, Samson eventually does indeed end up with her. He goes to a whore house to get over his old love, but it ends up rather disastrous. the next day he meets Delilah and falls in love. Delilah is offered 1100 coins to find out what Samson's weakness is(which turn out to be losing his hair). In the end she betrays him and his eyes are burned out of his head.

Moses and the flight from Egypt- This story represents the flight of the jews from persecution. Led by moses gods new anointed messenger, the jews follow him many years across the desert to a safe place. During the journey the 10 commandments are set by god given to moses to inform the people.