Beauty is Pain?

This is possibly one of the most stupid sayings that we tell people, specifically women. It is said that certain elements of beauty, grooming and ‘self-care’ cause pain and that is something women (and men) will inevitably have to face. Yet, this statement is problematic in many ways and is an extremely harmful ideology to propagate.

The Politics of Makeup: Foundation

With make-up, it is often said that foundation creates ‘a flawless canvas’ for the rest of your make-up, it is viewed as the first step in a routine and essential. Having this option to boost confidence or to showcase your artistry is a good thing. However, as with many things in life, our perception of it or the actual object is problematic and worrying.

Cleopatra: Part 1

When you think of any depiction of Cleopatra in any film, the first image that comes to mind is one of a beautiful, graceful woman who is physically striking. Of course, her characterisation in such films might be remembered but it is undeniable that the iconography of Cleopatra, primarily seen in the 1963 film, has influenced the way we view this pharaoh. The iconography of Cleopatra dominates our cultural perception; however, in my opinion, this perception is heavily flawed and unfair to the woman in question.

Loss of Literature: Sappho

Much of what we know about the past comes from literature. From fictional tales, which reflect the culture that surrounded it to accounts of expenditure in the government, our literary sources play a huge part in understanding how ancient societies functioned. It could be said that it is the most vital aspect when attempting to understand the past. When examining the classical world, any literature that survives is crucial and is in fact how we know so much about ancient civilisations such as the Greeks. Unfortunately, more often than not, we have lost significant portions of our history through the destruction of such materials. In this post, I will be discussing pieces of literature that have been almost entirely lost to us and thus discuss the impact it has on our lives.

Hysteria and the demeaning nature of female ‘madness’.

The concept of female 'madness' is a common yet undeniably demeaning way of defining illness in women. It both ignores the serious health issues a women could have and undercuts the improtance of mental health.

Makeup Trends

When reading about makeup on the internet, a common theme is the latest trends, appearing largely due to influential figures, and thus there is a influx of targeted products which encourage us to ‘get sharper cheekbones’ or ‘make that cat-eye sharper’. This is to be expected, when a substantial number of people pay attention to something, it gains popularity; it is how movements gain traction and ideas become reality. However, it could be argued that within these trends, we see societal conditioning at its best and in reality, these trends are more than just silly fads, they are genuinely harmful.

Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion (Part V-3)

(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part I)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part II)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part III)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part IV)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part V-1)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part V-2)

Lastly, in Euripides’ Bacchae, he explores cruelty of the gods, more specifically Dionysus. It demonstrates the consequences for a lack of piety which is a similar moral to Hippolytus and the ever-shifting personalities of the gods.

Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion (Part V-2)

(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part I)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part II)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part III)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part IV)

(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part V-1)

Previously, we discussed Euripides’ portrayal of humanity and divinity and their relation to each other in Hippolytus. In another particularly famous play of Euripides, he explores the themes of justice and revenge.

Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion (Part V-1)

(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part I)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part II)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part III)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part IV)

Historians commonly refer to fifth century Greece as the Golden Age of Greece as culture advanced massively. Beginning in 500 BC, art and literature developed into something more sophisticated on the whole and its effects were definitely long-lasting.

Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion (Part IV)

(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part I)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part II)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part III)

Previously, I discussed how mythological tales were often reflective of the humans passing down the stories. In this post, I want to look at how the types of stories told could be indicative of the culture of the time.

Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion (Part III)

(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part I)
(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part II)

In my last post, I examined the variance with similar myths and the possibility that the Greeks didn’t necessarily believe in their own myths. In contrast, another interesting aspect of mythology is the parallels to humanity that exist, which could also provide an explanation for myths that contrasted their beliefs.  

Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion (Part II)

(Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion Part I)

Previously, I discussed the contrast between mythology and the morals of the Greeks, and how exactly they justified it. Another way to reconcile these aspects is with the idea that the Greeks did not fully believe their own myths. This could be seen as odd as tales and fables are an integral part of any religion, modern religions demonstrate similar ideologies. However, it could easily be argued that either they did not believe their myths or that mythology was not regarded as the definitive truth at all times.

The Trials of Apollo #1: The Hidden Oracle Review

The Hidden Oracle is the first book in Riordan’s new series, The Trials of Apollo. It follows the events of The Heroes of Olympus; however, it has a completely different perspective character, Apollo! The reader accompanies him on his trials to earn his way back into Olympus, the first trial involving finding the hidden oracle.

Greek Mythology: Culture and Religion (Part I)

When discussing the Ancient Greeks and their religion, an integral element is the mythology that accompanied it. From tales of great heroic deeds to stories of gods behaving outrageously, for readers in the present day, they are a great source of entertainment and are regarded as brilliant literature. However, the myths we have gained from the Ancient Greeks are fascinating to discuss, in their own right, and in conjunction with religion and culture.

'Elizabeth is Missing' Short Review

‘Elizabeth is Missing’, by Emma Healey, is an intriguing novel about 70-year-old Maude who is determined to find her friend Elizabeth, as she is convince that something is wrong – even if no one trusts her memory.