Author: BENYANG JIANG

Michel de Montaigne, a 16th-century philosopher who proposed no theories, put no trust in reason and showed no desire to convince readers of anything. In his vast book Essays, he contradicted himself, and followed his thoughts wherever his thoughts wherever they led. His Essays were bound to coincide with the wisdom of the ancients from time to time. Many people have seen him not just as a philosopher but as the world’s truly modern thinker, because of his intense awareness that he was complex and self-divided, always double in himself. In my opinion, he was the first and greatest philosopher of life as it is actually lived.

Reason establishes several important patterns. She uses Christine’s questions as prompts to help her develop thematic elements that are also qualities shared by all virtuous and notable women. Reason and the two other Virtues subsequently provide a series of narrations as a growing body of evidence supporting the defense of women. Reason also cites examples from a variety of sources. She tells of women from the past as well as the present. By doing so, she draws parallels between past and present, suggesting a continuous and ongoing history of virtue on the part of women.

Shakespeare uses the friendship between Hamlet and Horatio as a vehicle to tell the readers Hamlet’s true thoughts, plans and feelings. Horatio is the only true friend Hamlet has in the play.  Throughout the play, Horatio demonstrates his friendship and loyalty to Hamlet. He helps Hamlet with his plans and keeps his secrets. Horatio would have reported Hamlet for his accusations against Claudius if they were not friends. Moreover, Hamlet loves Horatio deeply and trusts him personally.  When Hamlet is dying, Horatio is the one who comforts him at his death.  Horatio is the only person who understands for certain that Hamlet madness is an act.  The reader learns Hamlet’s true character from the Horatio’s thoughts and words in the play.