quiz #1

1.      What is nihilism? Is it correct to say it is the belief in nothing?

Nihilism is the terminology used to describe an era of deception, of no moral value, where one loses the meaning of life, carelessness from society and its government. It is correct to say that Nihilism is the belief in nothing positive but from a political point of view. This term was born during a difficult time in the Russia and most European nations and was used as a terminology to describe the atrocities taking place during that time.

2. What are the differences between Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian values according to Nietzsche? Which values does he believe are better for living a full and healthy life and why?

3. Why is Dada art so pessimistic and bizarre? What groups in Germany society where Dada artists trying to discredit and undermine?

Dada art was a tool of expression of many who survived the wars in the European nations. This was the crude reality of what was taking place during this time and they wanted to show it to the rest of the world. They used this tool to create a movement by showing the rest of the world what they had encounter during the World War I. Thru their art they were able to capture the attention of many who were refusing to acknowledge the cruel reality of what men at war were capable of doing to mankind. Dada artist were targeting the elite of their society, the rich, the middle class, the government who decided turn their faces and failed to see the reality of the atrocities that was taking place during that time.

4. How many jobs does Dr. Caligari have in the film?

Dr. Caligari has a few jobs, he own and operated a concession at the local fair with the main attraction of a somnambulist. He is also a doctor the head of the mental institution (or Asylum) and specialized in somnambulism.

5. Why does Siddhartha leave his father?

Siddhartha felt that he had learned everything he needed from his father and he felt it was time to move on and begin a new journey.  That in order to reach a certain level of spiritual enlightmen he must move on in order to find himself, his soul, his calling to become a samana.

6. How does Cesare "die" in the film?

According to the film Cesare fell off an edge while he was trying to escape the authorities after trying to kidnap Jane, and later was found dead in the ravine. But at the end of the film he was at the mental institution with Francis and Jane.

7. Why is the river so important to Siddharta at the end of the novel?

The river is very important to Siddharta because it is the place where he ended his journey, his long time spiritual search and many years of questions, doubts, and deception came to an end there at the river. After he settled at the river and time took its course everything had become clear, and after his settlement at the river in where he found himself spiritually, the man who always had thirst for knowledge had found his answers to his questions right there in the river. The river was the destination where he became the holy one and reached the highest spiritual level any Samana can ever reach.