Laurika Nxumalo

Non-human antagonists enrich storytelling by pushing the boundaries of imagination and challenging both characters and audiences to confront fears and truths beyond the human realm.

Interpret how earthquakes have been used as non-human antagonists in the movie 'San Andreas'

Sleep and dreams are central motifs in Shakespeare's Macbeth, symbolizing guilt, psychological turmoil, and the disruption of natural order. Throughout the play, sleep represents peace and innocence, but as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth become consumed by ambition and crime, their ability to sleep is gradually undermined, reflecting their deteriorating mental states.

Explore the significance and role of sleep and dreams in Shakespeare’s Macbeth

What is the philosophy of art? Explain the relationship between art and philosophy.

Look at how philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Arthur Danto, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty contributed to discussions on this topic, and how they offered different perspectives on what art is and how it functions in human life.

Renaissance beauty standards for women were influenced by a mix of classical ideals from Ancient Greece and Rome, alongside the cultural and religious norms of the time. These standards emphasized both physical appearance and inner qualities, such as virtue and modesty.

Explore how painters like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Titian explored beauty standards in their artworks. Explore themes of idealized proportions, pale skin, luxurious attire, soft curves, and emotional depth

The supernatural plays a central and significant role in One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights), shaping its themes, narrative structure, and character development. Many of the tales in the collection feature magical elements, from genies to enchanted objects, curses, and fantastical creatures. These supernatural elements serve multiple functions.

Explore the supernatural element and how it offers escapism and transformation and its reflection on hope, redemption, and the possibility of changing one’s circumstances.

The authors of 'American Gods' and 'A Wizard of Earthsea' use elements of magical realism and fantasy, though in distinct ways, to explore deep themes and create immersive worlds.

Explore how these elements in both novels help underline the central themes of identity, personal growth, and the tension between the old and the new.

Vampires, wolves, and witches are some of the most enduring supernatural creatures in literature and fiction, often embodying themes of power, fear, and transformation. Each of these creatures tends to evolve and reflect cultural fears, desires, and social dynamics throughout different periods in history.

Explore how vampires, wolves, and witches are portrayed across several literary texts and works of fiction. Choose your own movies to focus on that are about vampires, wolves, and witches, e.g. Macbeth, Dracula, Ginger Snaps, etc

Viewers and readers are often captivated by villains because they represent complex, multidimensional characters that challenge societal norms and moral boundaries. Unlike heroes, who often adhere to strict ethical codes, villains are free to explore forbidden desires, raw ambition, and unchecked power, which can be both thrilling and relatable.

A well-crafted villain often embodies qualities like intelligence, charm, and resilience, making them intriguing despite their destructive actions. Their backstories, which frequently reveal pain, loss, or a misunderstood motivation, allow audiences to empathize with their humanity. Villains also serve as powerful mirrors, reflecting the darker sides of human nature and the consequences of unrestrained emotions or desires.

Additionally, villains often drive the story’s conflict and tension, creating a compelling dynamic that keeps audiences engaged. Their unpredictability and audacity make them unforgettable, providing a dramatic foil to the hero’s journey and often stealing the spotlight. In many ways, viewers and readers love villains because they represent freedom, complexity, and the messy realities of human existence.

Explore why Cersei Lannister from 'Game of Thrones' is a loved villain