Graham Greene once said," every artist has a splinter of ice in his heart." In other words Greene is claiming that every artist has some bitterness in his heart that is portrayed through his art. The author of the Chaucer in Rome, John Guare best exemplifies this concept in his own work. Guare's bitterness can felt from his commentary on religion. Through symbolism, setting, and characterization Guare chastises many aspects of the Christian religion. .
The setting of the play contributes to the religious implications presented throughout the story. The three main characters are in Rome during the Holy year where millions of pilgrims have come in order to purge themselves of sin. The author places great emphasis on Rome being the capital of religion. This is apparent through the words of Pete, "We"re in Rome. God's Hometown. He hears. You"re fine" (page 6). Although, most Christians and Jews would probably agree that Jerusalem is the hometown of most modern Christian and Jewish beliefs the author claims that Rome is the center of modern religion. The author puts Rome on a pedestal as a religious epicenter in order to condemn what religious foundations lie in the city of Rome, the Catholic Church. By exaggerating the importance of Rome or using it as a hyperbole to represent God's hometown it seems apparent that Guare is attacking the Catholic Church. The overemphasis of the setting coupled with the concept of Rome being a religious mecca establishes an environment that allows Guare to condemn the holy city and more specifically Catholicism. .
The symbolism of the pilgrims in the story plays a vital role into interpreting Guare's commentary on religion A large magnitude of these religious pilgrims have come to Rome filled with fake religious devotion and hopes of purging their sins. Many of the pilgrims are simply there for an easy way out, not religious devotion. This can be seen through the words of one of the Patient 5, "My baby fell off the boat.
But from 180 to 476 Rome decreased. ... He was the third best emperor in Rome's history. ... There were many economic problems in Rome. ... As the two other sources of income began to disappear, the Rome government raised the taxes for the people of Rome. ... Soon these people became Rome's enemies. ...
The military of Rome could not be matched. ... Rome had a strong and steady government. ... The geography of Rome, led to easy expansion and control. ... Rome had almost free use, no risk trade through out these waters, and having ports on every point in Rome allowed for easy trade directly to the capital. ... In conclusion, Rome's military, government, and geography were key to the success of Rome. ...
"In order to control Sicily, Rome would have to win battles at sea; up to this point, Rome had no working navy. ... Rome managed to win supremacy of the seas, despite having many of their ships destroyed by storms- Rome had yet to figure out where to harbor ships."" ... Rome took advantage of this, and invaded the island. ... He tried to incite revolt among the tribes of Italy, but most feared Rome's wrath should Carthage lose, and they remained with Rome for the most part. ... Instead, he marches on Rome. ...
Rome's location was favorable from a geographical point of view. ... Because Rome was built on the famous seven hills, it was easily defended. ... Early Rome The twin brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 B.C.E founded Rome, and archaeologists have founded that by the eighth century B.C.E there was a settlement consisting of huts on the tops of Rome's Hills. ... Rome had been under the control of seven kings and that two of the last three kings had been Etruscans, a people who were located north of Rome in Etruria. ... By 509 B.C.E., a new Rome had emerged. ...
But from 180 to 476 Rome decreased. ... He was the third best emperor in Rome's history. ... There were many economic problems in Rome. ... As the two other sources of income began to disappear, the Rome government raised the taxes for the people of Rome. ... Soon these people became Rome's enemies. ...
The fall of Rome The fall of Rome wasn't something that happened over night. ... Also, all of Rome did not disintegrate. ... There is no single reason for Rome's decline. ... They were no longer the patriots the mighty Rome deserved. ... Slowly but surely Rome deteriorated, and melted away into the grave....
ROMAN TIMES As my family has the line of ancestors that have continually fought in the military of Rome, I have watched the constant decline of this once great military power. ... There is no willingness to be the great power that Rome once was. There is also a lack of loyalty to this great government of Rome. ... These mercenaries not only could care less about fighting for Rome, but they would even think it better if Rome lost because they were once enemies of the empire themselves. The people of Rome need to do some thinking and figure out what is really important in their lives as ...
The seemingly unstoppable Roman Empire was bound to fall after the many aspects that made Rome such a dominant empire started to fade away. Rome was the center of the world and the thought that such a worldwide power could decline was unheard of. ... Every decision that Rome made had a vast affect on city itself and the rest of the world. ... With the right leadership all of the disastrous decisions could have been prevented and the reign of Rome could have been prolonged long after its fall in 476 AD. ---- In conclusion, the Roman Empire declined based upon the same factors that had caused it...
