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The Performing Arts: The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera is a musical based on the novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux. The plot is about Christine Daaé, a soprano who becomes the obsession of a dark, enigmatic man who lives under the opera house. The musical opened in 88' & the movie in 04'. A message of the story is that appearances can be deceiving.The Phantom was disfigured but sang beautifully. I chose this piece 4 the plot, the music & the captivating Phantom. His inner turmoil makes me wish 4 his redemption. -
The Performing Arts: "Go Rest High on that Mountain"
"Go Rest High on That Mountain" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Vince Gill. It was released in 1995. It was written for Gill's brother who had passed away. It is a song about finding rest in Heaven after suffering so much here on earth. I chose it for it's message of peace that awaits. This song was also played for both my uncle and my Grandma at their funerals. The song is very emotional and moving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jXrmAKBBTU -
The Visual Arts:Joan of Arc
Gilded bronze, on granite base 15'base 8'4" by Emmanuel Frémiet 1890. The statue looks like illuminated gold. It depicts Joan of Arc upon a horse in full armour with banner and sword. I think the artist wanted to present Joan of Arc as this powerful, yet good an pure soldier who was ready for battle. I chose this work as I have been fascinated by this figure from history since I was a child and to see a statue of her depicted as powerful and prominate I see as an accomplishment for women. -
Literature: Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre is a novel by Charlotte Brontë written in 1847.about the orphaned Jane Eyre.She is treated terribly most of her life.She becomes a governess to a ward of Mr Rochester.They end up getting involved romantically until she discovers he aready has a wife locked in the attic. it was written as a way for the author to address social order in those days.I chose it because Jane is a true heroine,she is strong,smart,& holds to her convictions.She is caring despite never being shown kindness. -
Literature:The Cask of Amontillado
"The Cask of Amontillado" is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe published in 1846. It is the story of a man who feels insulted by a friend and gets revenge by walling him up in the catacombs. There is a lot of symbolism in this story but one point that is clear,Poe believed revenge was a dish best served cold. I chose this story because it is well written, it is filled with so much symbolism it is like a story within a story within a story. For example the connection to freemasonry is seen in it. -
Philosophy:Socrates
Socrates(469-399B.C.) was a classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. He is an enigmatic figure known chiefly through the writings of his student Plato. He is most notable for his Socratic method, the method of asking questions to reveal deeper thinking and thought. I chose him because I liked his philosophy. His quote"True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing." in particular shows that not only was he brilliant but humble as well. -
Philosophy:Confucius
Confucius 551-479BC,was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history. Books of Confucianism otherwise referred to as the Confucian Classics. Through these texts, Confucianism became the official state religion of China in the 2nd century. I chose him for his quote"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." I also liked his teaching that we should fulfill whatever role we are given in this life. -
Religion:Messianic Judaism
Messianic Judaism is a movement of Jewish people who believe that Yeshua (Jesus’ original name in Hebrew) is the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. Messianic Jews and Christians share the same core beliefs. Messianic Judaism is the same faith but it is expressed within the Jewish heritage. Jewish holidays customs are still observed. I chose Messianic Judaism because it is part of my ethnic and religious identity. Also many people don't realize that there is such a group. -
History:The Holocaust
The Holocaust period was between January 30, 1933 – May 8, 1945 It was a genocide in which some 6 million Jews were killed by Hitler's Nazi Germany and allies. It was one of the darkest moments in history. Something this horrific should not be forgotten so that it does not happen again. I chose this event for that reason and believe It is important to note in history so we never forget that horrific things like genocide can happen. -
The Visual Arts: The Scream
Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1910, tempera on board, 66 x 83 cm
The painting is of swirling orange, blue,& green. A figure of a man screaming is the focus. I think the artist painted this to show how he felt. He felt like he was falling apart. The colors around the screaming man r swirly and dark, showing his inner chaos. I chose this work because I thought it was interesting and I could sympathize with the screaming man.Also the swirly lines of color have a dreamy, surreal feel -
Religion:Christianity
Christianity is descended from Judaism. The central figure in Christianity is Jesus the Christ. The promised Jewish Messiah. Christianity is over 2000 yrs old. It's holy book is called the Bible. It is splintered into many denominations each with their own interpretations of scripture. I chose Christianity because it is my faith and it has contributed to the history and development of many countries. Christianity also has the highest number of charities worldwide that help those in need. -
History:The Armenian Genocide
Between 1915 & 1923 around 2 mill. Armenian people were tortured & massacred by the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Armenian Christian Girls were raped and then crucified by the Islamic regime. This event is important because its victims have never received any justice. To this day no one has been held accountable despite mounting evidence of all that happened. I chose this event because it is little known and I see similarities between this regime & Isis. What happened then is happening now.
