Summary of Chapters 21, 23 & 24

Chapter 21

Symbolism and Religion, by Johan Huizinga, looks at the different forms of symbolism in religion and why they are used during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Many symbols or objects hold a deeper meaning then what the literal object is. Many people believe that they can be connected to the higher power through these objects. Huizinga argues that objects, such as religious ones, reveal the “character” of an age better then philosophy. In the end, there are hidden messages and symbolic meaning in almost every object.

Chapter 23

The House As A Symbol of Feminity, by Milton R. Sapirstein, claims that houses are symbolic to women. Women, like a house, have larger bodies and hold many mysteries and secrets like the saying "if walls could talk". Women are insecure and fear impluses that would expose themselves, their inner self. This, Sapirstein says, relates to how a woman decorates her house. How they decorate matches their inner self and as a result many women are afraid or hire someone to do it for them.

Chapter 24

Miss America's Mythic Significance, by Harvey Cox, looks at the hidden symbols behind the Miss America and other pagents like it. According to Cox, the girls symbolize a sexual figure who appears virgin-like and personifies the material aspects of society. She also represents the celebration of "the girl" in society and is an icon in the consumer culture in America because they use her to sell products