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They are legion: the tragedy of twentieth-century man

Article Abstract:

The 20th century person is in the throes of turmoil, bogged down with despair, alienation and without a sense of purpose. The realities of life are generating a new person, who seeks any means to escape a hopeless situation. Such an eventuality is narrated in Franz Kafka's 'Metamorphosis,' in which a man finds himself transformed into a cockroach. The man's escape into bestial nature signals the advent of a new age of barbarism. Franz Rosenzweig and Miguel de Unamuno also recognized these signs along with Kafka. Their views on the plight of humanity's current predicament are discussed.

Social aspects, Twentieth century, Ethical aspects, Human beings, Humans, Kafka, Franz, 'Metamorphosis' (Book), Rosenzweig, Franz, Unamuno, Miguel de

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Pavel Florensky: a postmodernist vision of Renaissance art?

Article Abstract:

Pavel Florensky, an early 20th century philosopher and cultural historian, propagated a postmodern vision of Renaissance, or modern Western art. Florensky felt that modern Western art shows the degeneration of Western civilization, and regarded modern Russian art superior to secular Western culture. He suggested that artists must raise the world of ideas, and discard linear perspective that represents transient phenomenon. Florensky regarded individualism as the basis of Western culture. Western scholars praise the Renaissance, while Russian scholars are divided in their views.

Russia, 20th century AD, Art criticism, Arts, Modern, Civilization, Western, Western culture, Florensky, Pavel

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Orestes Brownson's vision of America

Article Abstract:

Orestes Augustus Brownson is recognized mainly as editor of the Boston Quarterly Journal and Brownson's Quarterly Journal, and although his efforts to combine Americanism and Catholicity resulted in tensions, he remains the great unknown of American letters.

Portrayals, Americanism (Catholic controversy)

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