1. Assignment
Making reference to at least two of the works covered in weeks 1-5 of the module, addressing the following problem:
⦁ Account for the origins and development of biographical writing in late antiquity and the early middle ages (i.e. how and why did people write biographies in this period?).
By addressing two works covered, how can we account for the origins and development of biographical writing in late antiquity and early middle ages?
I.e. how and why did people write biographies in this period?
In late antiquity (161-565 CE) to the early middle ages the origins and development of early biographies and hagiographies were beginning to occur and transform. In this essay, I will argue how and why people wrote biographical writings …show more content…
The first nine books are autobiographical and the other four are commentary. Although it is hard for historians to know exactly why Saint Augustine wrote this work, it is clear to understand that the work was offered as a form of guideline for how to convert to Christianity. St Augustine evidently needed some self-justification which perhaps could be a possible motivation for the books. This is because he had a rapid ascension from priest to bishop, meaning that they were criticism at every turn. By writing these ‘confessions’, it could be a form of reconciliation in order to resolve his imperfections to his critics and to God. He is not only writing it for public consumptions but for himself, he almost surrenders himself as a vessel of true faith in the public eye. Therefore, by justifying himself, he is justifying his faith at the same …show more content…
Advising on ways to convert and becoming a martyr. By sharing their story, they allow people to experience their journey, meaning people can start to relate their own experiences to the narratives which in turn inspires more people to convert to Christianity. Especially Augustine because he distinguishes how God has always guided him throughout his life even when he was not a Christian, this allows non-Christians to relate themselves to him and begin to think about converting as a way of saving their own soul and initiate their path to
Making reference to at least two of the works covered in weeks 1-5 of the module, addressing the following problem:
⦁ Account for the origins and development of biographical writing in late antiquity and the early middle ages (i.e. how and why did people write biographies in this period?).
By addressing two works covered, how can we account for the origins and development of biographical writing in late antiquity and early middle ages?
I.e. how and why did people write biographies in this period?
In late antiquity (161-565 CE) to the early middle ages the origins and development of early biographies and hagiographies were beginning to occur and transform. In this essay, I will argue how and why people wrote biographical writings …show more content…
The first nine books are autobiographical and the other four are commentary. Although it is hard for historians to know exactly why Saint Augustine wrote this work, it is clear to understand that the work was offered as a form of guideline for how to convert to Christianity. St Augustine evidently needed some self-justification which perhaps could be a possible motivation for the books. This is because he had a rapid ascension from priest to bishop, meaning that they were criticism at every turn. By writing these ‘confessions’, it could be a form of reconciliation in order to resolve his imperfections to his critics and to God. He is not only writing it for public consumptions but for himself, he almost surrenders himself as a vessel of true faith in the public eye. Therefore, by justifying himself, he is justifying his faith at the same …show more content…
Advising on ways to convert and becoming a martyr. By sharing their story, they allow people to experience their journey, meaning people can start to relate their own experiences to the narratives which in turn inspires more people to convert to Christianity. Especially Augustine because he distinguishes how God has always guided him throughout his life even when he was not a Christian, this allows non-Christians to relate themselves to him and begin to think about converting as a way of saving their own soul and initiate their path to