Heroes Of The Enlightenment Video Analysis
The Enlightenment period was as great as it was troubling to citizens across several European nations as well as American colonies. In the first video of the Heroes of the Enlightenment series entitled Power of Knowledge, the viewer listens to the stories of four men whom, through their work, began and shaped the Age of Enlightenment (BBC, The Power of Knowledge: The Heroes of the Enlightenment, 2012). The intention of this video was to demonstrate how Isaac Newton, Denis Diderot, Marques of Pombal, and Erasmus Darwin brought upon substantial systematic change to begin the Enlightenment era. However, this connection was not elaborated upon within the Isaac Newton segments. Isaac Newton was not in pursuit of enlightenment per see, but knowledge
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In the first segment, the audience listens to stories of Fredrick the Great, King of Prussia, and his need to make Prussia an international power. The ruthlessness of Frederick is really a symbol of the Enlightenment movement. Through good intentions, one makes sacrifices to see their idea become a reality. Frederick sacrificed his soldiers and his citizens with the purpose to ironically have his subjects and himself live in prosperity. Frederick serves as an illustration in the video as a man who will limit certain freedoms to others to maintain control. In the next segment the video transitions to America’s new formed thriving colonies and their quest to gain independence from Britain. These videos, much like the Enlightenment movement, covet symbolism deeply. Thomas Jefferson not only illustrated America’s quest for enlightenment because he admired its principles, but his mansion, The Monticello, illustrates enlightenment not only in artifacts, but as a whole. The Monticello was built atop a slave plantation and designed by Jefferson himself (BBC, Changes in Society: Heroes of the Enlightenment, 2012). The land represents the dark (Dark Ages) and the structure represents light (the search for knowledge and truth in the world). This connection really identifies the Enlightenment movement in America. Lastly, the video tells viewers of Nicolas de Condorcet and shares with us his views on equal rights for women and all races. His views symbolize progress within the Enlightenment era. However, the biggest symbolism this video shared with its viewers laid within the end
In the first segment, the audience listens to stories of Fredrick the Great, King of Prussia, and his need to make Prussia an international power. The ruthlessness of Frederick is really a symbol of the Enlightenment movement. Through good intentions, one makes sacrifices to see their idea become a reality. Frederick sacrificed his soldiers and his citizens with the purpose to ironically have his subjects and himself live in prosperity. Frederick serves as an illustration in the video as a man who will limit certain freedoms to others to maintain control. In the next segment the video transitions to America’s new formed thriving colonies and their quest to gain independence from Britain. These videos, much like the Enlightenment movement, covet symbolism deeply. Thomas Jefferson not only illustrated America’s quest for enlightenment because he admired its principles, but his mansion, The Monticello, illustrates enlightenment not only in artifacts, but as a whole. The Monticello was built atop a slave plantation and designed by Jefferson himself (BBC, Changes in Society: Heroes of the Enlightenment, 2012). The land represents the dark (Dark Ages) and the structure represents light (the search for knowledge and truth in the world). This connection really identifies the Enlightenment movement in America. Lastly, the video tells viewers of Nicolas de Condorcet and shares with us his views on equal rights for women and all races. His views symbolize progress within the Enlightenment era. However, the biggest symbolism this video shared with its viewers laid within the end