Exploring Religion
Write a brief essay (at least 4-full pages, typed, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, double spaced) that compares, contrasts, and reflects upon the way the tension of the sacred and profane are explored and expressed by the artists within the novel My Arame/sAsherLev and the documentary Tagwacore. I offer the following questions to help guide your writing.
1. In what ways do the religious communities and beliefs represented in the novel and the film both inspire and, perhaps, restrain or restrict the individual expression of the artists?
2. How do the sacred and profane interact in their art? For example, how do they bring the sacred (religion) into the realm of the profane (art) and vice versa? Be sure to provide examples.
3. What are some of the struggles these artists endure while attempting to work out the tension between their religion and their art?
4. Finally, in the end, to what extent do you believe these struggles are overcome by the artists? That is, do you believe they are successful in reconciling their religion and their art? Explain.